An autistic teenager who broke his spine in four places after falling from a 50ft bridge onto rocks has been told he will never walk again.
Joshua Davies, 18, has been left paralysed after he fell from a bridge ledge he had climbed out onto in a bid to avoid being chased by bullies.
The teen, who was diagnosed with Aspergers when he was 14, was allegedly pelted with stones by bullies – a gang of local boys who had bullied him in the past.
Speaking to Wales Online, Joshua’s stepfather Michael Morgan said:
“Joshua and his friend were walking by the river, when they realised some boys were following them.
“They heard them shout ‘there they are – let’s get them!’ and climbed on to the steel supports of the bridge to get away. One of the stones hit Joshua on the shoulder, then another hit him on his heel and he lost his grip and fell.”
Joshua’s family told media that the teen has been bullied for the last five years by a gang of boys, forcing him to avoid certain parts of his local area in Pontypridd, South Wales.
Michael added that his stepson had approached police for help on more than 15 occasions but believes the complaints were not handled properly:
“I believe this could have been prevented.
“Joshua reported having issues with local boys, but his problems were brushed under the carpet because they thought he was messing around.”
The teenager is recovering in the University Hospital of Wales where he has undergone three operations, and will not be able to sit up for six weeks. He has since had to defer his university placement until his health improves.
Three teenagers – two aged 15 and one aged 16 – have been arrested in connection with the August 17th incident.
Story via WalesOnline
