Birthday at home for 'tombstoner'

A remorseful Sonny Wells admits the leap was a "stupid" act

A man left paralysed after jumping from a pier in a practice known as "tombstoning" has spent his first day at home since the accident.

Sonny Wells enjoyed a family meal on Saturday to celebrate his 21st birthday but returned to hospital the next day.

The former soldier from Waterlooville has been confined to a wheelchair after leaping from Southsea's South Parade Pier into water 1m (3ft) deep in May.

He is hoping to return home permanently in time for Christmas.

His father Robbie Wells said: "It was only a day out of hospital but it was great to see him back home.

'Stupid act'

"He thoroughly enjoyed it.

"The hospital has given him November or December as a possible date for coming home but that could drift.

"He has learned to dress himself, get out of bed and transfer from his wheelchair to his furniture."

A BBC film about a 21-year-old is to be used by police to warn children of the dangers.

Speaking to the BBC from his hospital bed in June, Sonny admitted it was a "stupid" act but has vowed not to dwell on his actions.

"Looking back I feel stupid for doing it. But at the end of the day you cannot keep looking back," he said.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version