Brodie Jake Dewar: Man granted bail after alleged CBD assault leaves WA Labor’s Tim Picton in coma

One-time WA Labor powerbroker Tim Picton remains in hospital fighting for life after an alleged early-morning attack in Northbridge, with the young man accused warned he faces jail time if convicted. Perth Magistrates Court was told Mr Picton remained in an induced coma on Sunday with a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds. Doctors removed part of his skull in a desperate effort to save his life but prosecutors delivered a chilling assessment of his prognosis. “It is believed that he is going to have a lifelong disability due to injury,” one said. Mr Picton, 36, was found unconscious near the corner of James Street and Mountain Terrace about 5.30am on Saturday. He was the architect of Mark McGowan’s massive 2021 State election victory as campaign director and since leaving politics has worked for mining company Mineral Resources and served as a board member for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. On Sunday, Brodie Jake Dewar was granted bail on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm. The 20-year-old entered the court wearing a blue jumpsuit and collapsed into tears the moment he saw his family sitting at the back of the room. He had his hands clasped together in a prayer-like pose and repeatedly whispered “please” as Magistrate Dianne Scaddan weighed up his bail application. He turned towards his mother — who was sobbing uncontrollably in the public gallery — and mouthed the words “I love you”. Outside court, WA Police Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Region Martin Haime said investigators did not believe the two men knew each other — but stressed inquiries were ongoing. Police were yet to determine a motive, or whether the men had crossed paths earlier in the night. Alcohol was believed to have played a role. “This incident is a stark reminder that split-second acts of violence can have devastating, life-changing consequences,” he 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.” Appointed State secretary and campaign director in 2020, Mr Picton previously worked for former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews before relocating to Western Australia. He is the brother of South Australian Cabinet Minister Chris Picton. WA Premier Roger Cook took to X on Sunday afternoon to offer his best wishes. “Carly and my thoughts are with former Labor State Secretary and our mate Tim Picton, who is in a serious condition in hospital,” Mr Cook posted. “The whole Labor team are thinking of him and his family during this difficult time.” Mr Picton’s family also released a statement highlighting his significance as a father, husband, brother and son. “Tim remains in hospital in a critical condition. As a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another,” the statement said. “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. 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.” A duty lawyer representing Mr Dewar outlined his version of the facts. “What his family have told me is that the victim was harassing his cousin, and he’s (Mr Dewar) asked him to leave her alone multiple times,” the lawyer told the court. “(Mr Dewar) has confronted him and he thought he was going to be hit (by Mr Picton) — and he’s reacted.” 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”. He is next due to appear in court on February 6. 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.