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.
After hitting the floor, he lay motionless for 20 seconds before trying to get up, the attacker milling around in the mall before shoppers gave chase.
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 heard the teenager had previously been suspended 11 times by Aveley Secondary College, including seven suspensions relating to intimidation and physical assaults on other 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).
