Manslaughter Charges Filed Against Tim Picton’s Alleged Attacker, Bail Reapplication Pending

In a significant legal development, Brodie Jake Dewar, a 20-year-old man from Lesmurdie, faces upgraded manslaughter charges following the death of Tim Picton, a prominent Labor figure and director of Mineral Resources. The charges stem from an incident in Northbridge where Dewar allegedly attacked Picton last December, resulting in severe injuries that led to Picton’s death last month.

Manslaughter Charges and Background

Tim Picton, aged 36, suffered a critical brain bleed due to the assault. He was placed in a coma, from which he never recovered. This tragic incident prompted WA Police to elevate Dewar’s original charge of grievous bodily harm to manslaughter.

Court Appearances and Charges

• Dewar has been in custody since January 16 after his bail was revoked following a separate assault incident outside the Kalamunda Hotel.
• The court presented footage from both incidents during the hearings.

In the footage from December, Picton is seen talking calmly before Dewar delivers a punch, causing Picton to fall motionless. During the Kalamunda incident, bystanders helped a man who was allegedly attacked while Dewar reportedly filmed the incident and shared it on Snapchat. The victim of this attack later recovered from minor injuries.

Bail Reapplication and Future Hearings

During a recent appearance at the Perth Magistrates Court, Dewar’s lawyer, Simon Watters, sought bail again. He argued that the magistrate had not seen full footage of the Kalamunda incident, which he believed could potentially alter the understanding of Dewar’s actions.

The hearing was adjourned, allowing time to review the complete video evidence. Dewar remains in custody, facing the new manslaughter charge amid emotional support from over 20 family and friends who attended the court session.

Impact and Family Statements

Tim Picton was known for his pivotal role in WA Labor’s recent electoral successes, including the 2021 state election and the 2022 federal campaigns. His brother, Health Minister Chris Picton of South Australia, described the ordeal as deeply traumatic for the family, expressing profound anger and sorrow over the loss.

Dewar’s next court date is scheduled for February 13, where further developments in this case will be examined.