The 14-year-old was hit without warning and from behind, falling face first to the floor.
He’s still at risk of a traumatic brain injury.
The boy’s attacker is just 15 years old and today was handed a six-month suspended sentence.
The victim’s father told media outside court that the punishment wasn’t good enough.
“The magistrate made clear that she was looking at sending a message,” he said
“[But] to give a slap on the wrist is really a slap in the face of everybody.”
The 14-year-old suffered bleeding on the brain and needed metal plates and screws inserted in his jaw.
Once he hit the ground, he remained still for about 20 seconds before attempting to rise, while the assailant loitered in the mall until shoppers began to pursue him.
Just three weeks before the attack, the teenager was grabbed the same boy in the school toilet demanding a vape.
When that incident was reported, the 15-year-old was barred from attending school for two days.
The court was informed that before this incident, the teenager had been suspended from Aveley Secondary College a total of 11 times, with seven suspensions due to intimidating behavior and physical attacks on fellow students.
His lawyer said he was scared when the boy hit the ground and was extremely sorry.
The stress of the incident caused the victim’s father to try to take his own life.
“The devastation to our families is just as real and we’ve just copped a slap in the face and no justice,” he said.
In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
