A nurse shared her harrowing experience of being attacked by a mentally ill patient at Broadmoor hospital. Linda McKinlay, along with her colleague Kate Mastalerz, was assaulted by Jonty Bravery, who had previously thrown a child from the Tate Modern’s tenth floor. Bravery was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for the attack on the nurses after a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The nurses were seen struggling with Bravery in body-worn footage presented during the trial. McKinlay described the ordeal, stating it was her first attack in her lengthy career at Broadmoor. She recounted how Bravery clawed at her face, leaving her with scratches and blood. Mastalerz also suffered injuries during the incident, causing distress and a bruised thigh.
The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the severity of the assault, condemning such aggression towards healthcare providers. Despite Bravery’s absence at the trial, the evidence presented led to a conviction. Bravery, already serving a life sentence for the earlier incident at the Tate Modern, now faces additional consequences for his violent behavior.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring highlighted Bravery’s recurring assaults on those caring for him at Broadmoor. The judge acknowledged Bravery’s mental health challenges but emphasized the need for accountability for his actions. Bravery’s sentence will run concurrently with his existing term, with doubts raised about his potential release due to safety concerns.
Bravery’s history of attacks on hospital staff, including punching and biting, further underscored his violent tendencies. His actions have raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare providers in such environments. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of Bravery’s behavior and the need to address his ongoing threat to others.