A young apprentice accused of knocking a prominent Labor figure unconscious after a night out has been freed on bail while his alleged victim fights for life in hospital.
Tim Picton, 36, the brother of South Australian health minister Chris Picton, remains in an induced coma at Royal Perth Hospital, two days after he was allegedly assaulted by a stranger and struck his head on the pavement outside a Northbridge pub early on Saturday.
He suffered a fractured skull, multiple bleeds and underwent surgery to remove part of his cranium.
Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, was arrested nearby and spent a night in custody before he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday, charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.
The court heard Mr Picton may face lifelong disability if he survives.
Dewar had no prior criminal record, apart from two traffic offences in 2023, the court was told.
His lawyer told the court Mr Picton was harassing her client’s cousin before the alleged attack and Dewar had repeatedly asked him to leave her alone.
‘(Dewar) has confronted him and he thought he was going to be hit (by Mr Picton) – and he’s reacted,’ she said.
Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, is accused of knocking a prominent Labor figure unconscious after a night out
Tim Picton (pictured right with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) remains in an induced coma
The magistrate warned Dewar that he faced a ‘high likelihood of imprisonment’ as she granted him bail until his next court appearance in February.
He cannot consume alcohol or leave Western Australia and must abide by a 7pm to 7am curfew as part of his strict bail conditions.
Wearing a blue jumpsuit and carrying a pair of boots, Dewar looked down and ignored questions from reporters as he left court supported by his family.
Earlier on Sunday, Mr Picton’s family thanked medical staff and police for their professionalism and support, as well as his friends and colleagues for their compassion during the ‘incredibly difficult time’.
‘As a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another,’ the family statement read.
‘Tim is a much loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to so many across Australia.’
The former political strategist played an instrumental role in guiding WA Labor to a landslide 2021 election victory, which left the opposition with just two seats.
As Mr Picton fights for life in hospital, Brodie Jake Dewar (in blue) left court supported by his family after he was granted bail
Tim Picton (pictured) could end up with a lifelong disability if he survives the alleged attack
Mr Picton also previously worked as an advisor for Senator Don Farrell in the federal Gillard government, then in the office of former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews.
He has since taken up a role as strategy director for mining company Mineral Resources.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said their thoughts were with Mr Picton and his family.
‘The whole Labor team are thinking of him and his family during this difficult time,’ Mr Cook posted on X.
Mr Malinauskas added: ‘It’s hard to know, at these early stages, exactly what’s happened to Mr Picton’s brother, but he is unwell and in a serious condition,’
‘My thoughts are with Mr Picton and Chris, and his beautiful family.’
Tim Picton (left) is an influential Labor campaigner who help steer then-WA Premier Mark McGowan (centre) to a landslide election win in 2021
Police have reminded New Year’s Eve revellers that violent behaviour won’t be tolerated this Wednesday night and warned about the consequences of split-second decisions.
‘The community is absolutely tired of seeing this level of violence,’ WA Police Assistant Commissioner Martin Haime said.
‘It’s completely unacceptable. This time of year should be about celebration and enjoyment, not fear of harm.’