Twenty-year-old Brodie Jake Dewar has been granted bail after allegedly assaulting WA Labor powerbroker Tim Picton — an attack prosecutors say may leave the father permanently disabled, if he wakes from his coma.
Mr Picton, 36, was found unconscious outside a licensed venue near the corner of James Street and Mountain Terrace about 5.30am on Saturday.
He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with catastrophic injuries.
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On Sunday, the Perth Magistrates Court heard Mr Picton remains in an induced coma, suffering a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds.
Doctors have also been forced to remove part of his skull in a desperate effort to save his life.
Police prosecutors delivered a chilling assessment of his prognosis.
Brodie Jake Dewar pictured leaving Magistrates Court on Sunday. Credit: Carwyn Monck/The West Australian
“It is believed that he is going to have a lifelong disability due to injury,” one said.
Mr Picton is a prominent figure in WA’s political and corporate circles, but on Sunday morning his family spoke or his significance as a father, husband, brother and son.
“Tim remains in hospital in a critical condition,” the family statement read.
“As a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another.
“We would like to sincerely thank St John Ambulance, the medical team at Royal Perth Hospital and WA Police for their care, professionalism and support.
Brodie Jake Dewar pictured leaving Magistrates Court on Sunday. Credit: Carwyn Monck/The West Australian
“We also want to thank Tim’s friends and colleagues for the compassion they have shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Tim is a much loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to so many across Australia.”
At the back of the courtroom, Mr Dewar’s family sat visibly emotional as his duty lawyer relayed their account of the moments leading up to the alleged assault.
“What his family have told me …is that the victim was harassing his cousin, and he’s asked him to leave her alone multiple times,” the duty lawyer said.
Tim Picton. Credit: Supplied
“(Mr Dewar) has confronted him and he thought he was going to be hit (by Mr Picton), and he’s reacted.”
Mr Dewar entered the courtroom wearing a blue jumpsuit. The moment he saw his family, he collapsed into tears.
The 20-year-old apprentice hands clasped together in a prayer-like pose, he repeatedly whispered “please” as Magistrate Dianne Scaddan weighed the bail application.
He turned toward his mother — sobbing uncontrollably in the gallery — and mouthed the words “I love you”.
WA Police Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Region Martin Haime said investigators did not believe the accused and the alleged victim knew each other, but stressed inquiries were ongoing.
Assistant Commissioner Martin Haime speaks to the media at Police HQ today in relation to a charge of grievous bodily harm. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
Police are yet to determine a motive, or whether the men had crossed paths earlier in the night. Alcohol is believed to have played a role.
“This incident is a stark reminder that split-second acts of violence can have devastating, life-changing consequences,” Assistant Commissioner Haime said.
“The community is absolutely tired of seeing this level of violence, it’s completely unacceptable, this time of year should be about celebration and enjoyment, not fear of harm.”
Mr Picton was the architect of Labor’s 2021 state election campaign, which delivered Mark McGowan a record-breaking landslide victory.
Appointed state secretary and campaign director in 2020, he had previously worked for former Victorian premier Dan Andrews before relocating to Western Australia.
He is the brother of South Australian Cabinet Minister Chris Picton and, after leaving party politics, became director of strategy at mining giant Mineral Resources.
WA Premier Roger Cook took to X on Sunday afternoon to say him, his wife and the entire Labor team’s thoughts are with the Picton family.
“Carly and my thoughts are with former Labor State Secretary and our mate Tim Picton, who is in a serious condition in hospital,” he wrote.
“The whole Labor team are thinking of him and his family during this difficult time.”
Mr Dewar faced Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday charged with grievous bodily harm.
He was granted bail and is due to reappear on February 6.
He was ordered to enter a $10,000 personal undertaking with a further $10,000 surety, observe a strict 7pm to 7am curfew, remain in WA, abstain from alcohol, and have no contact with Mr Picton or attend his home or workplace.
Magistrate Scaddan warned the young man he was facing a “high likelihood of imprisonment”.
When Mr Dewar and his family were approached by reporters outside court they refused to comment.
WA Police continue to urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time, to contact Crime Stoppers.
