Tim Picton, 36, Dies After Northbridge Assault; Manslaughter Charge Laid
Tim Picton, a 36-year-old figure in Western Australia's political and mining sectors, died on January 19 after spending over three weeks in critical condition following an alleged assault in Perth's Northbridge area on December 27. Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, initially charged with grievous bodily harm, now faces an upgraded charge of manslaughter in connection with Mr. Picton's death.
Incident Details: Northbridge Assault
The alleged assault occurred around 5:35 AM on Saturday, December 27, outside a nightclub in Perth's Northbridge entertainment district, near the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace. Police had received reports of a disturbance.
Mr. Picton was found unresponsive, having sustained a head injury, including a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds, after reportedly being rendered unconscious and striking his head on the pavement. He was transported to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition and remained in a coma until his death.
Accused's Claims and Initial Legal Proceedings
Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, from Lesmurdie, was initially charged with grievous bodily harm. During earlier court appearances, Mr. Dewar's lawyer, Simon Watters, stated that Mr. Dewar acted instinctively, believing Mr. Picton was about to attack his cousin.
"Mr. Dewar acted instinctively, believing Mr. Picton was about to attack his cousin."
Mr. Watters claimed in court that Mr. Picton had repeatedly approached and harassed Dewar's 18-year-old cousin at the Paramount Nightclub on Boxing Day evening. These claims included Mr. Picton allegedly placing his hands on her waist and attempting to dance with her despite her refusal. The defense stated Mr. Dewar intervened, instructing Mr. Picton to stop. Mr. Picton was allegedly evicted from the club due to intoxication but continued to approach the cousin outside while she waited for an Uber.
Mr. Watters stated Mr. Dewar approached Mr. Picton after Mr. Picton again neared his cousin and allegedly threw a punch first, believing he was about to be assaulted. This belief was attributed to an unrelated assault Mr. Dewar reportedly experienced five minutes prior. The defense argued Mr. Dewar acted in self-defense due to Mr. Picton's conduct towards his cousin. Police, however, allege Mr. Dewar punched Mr. Picton in the face, causing him to fall.
Bail Revocation and Additional Allegations
Mr. Dewar was initially granted bail following the alleged assault on Mr. Picton. His bail was subsequently revoked in January after he was charged in connection with a separate alleged assault that occurred on Christmas Day.
On December 25, Mr. Dewar allegedly struck a 40-year-old man in the head outside the Kalamunda Hotel, causing him to fall and sustain facial injuries. CCTV footage of the alleged attack was presented in court. Police allege Mr. Dewar filmed the unconscious man and shared the footage on Snapchat, including a caption relating to the man allegedly "hitting on" his younger sister.
Magistrate Mark Millington described the Christmas Day incident as an "unprovoked" attack and had previously characterized Mr. Dewar as "an inherent risk to the community."
Police are also investigating a third video allegedly depicting Mr. Dewar punching another man, which authorities stated suggests a "pattern of behaviour." During a recent bail application, Mr. Dewar was denied bail for some charges but approved for the manslaughter charge related to Mr. Picton's death. He remains in custody, pending the granting of bail for all outstanding charges. His lawyer stated that a key component of an upcoming bail application would involve a more complete presentation of the Kalamunda incident footage, claiming it was not fully viewed by the magistrate who initially denied bail.
Upgraded Charge and Further Court Proceedings
Following Mr. Picton's death on January 19, the charge against Mr. Dewar was upgraded to manslaughter. Mr. Dewar appeared via video link in Perth Magistrates Court, where the upgraded charge was confirmed. The initial charge of grievous bodily harm is expected to be discontinued at a future court appearance.
Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment in Western Australia. A lesser charge of "unlawful assault causing death," with a maximum penalty of 20 years, is also available under WA's one-punch laws. Mr. Dewar's lawyer informed the court that a statement from Mr. Dewar's cousin, who was with him and interacted with the deceased at the nightclub, would be filed as part of the case.
Victim Profile and Family Statements
Tim Picton was a significant figure in Western Australian politics, credited with leading WA Labor's 2021 state election campaign and directing Anthony Albanese's federal election win in 2022. He also served as a director of strategy for mining company Mineral Resources and had previously worked for former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews. Mr. Picton was a husband and a father to a four-year-old daughter, Charlotte, and the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.
His family released a statement confirming his death:
"He was a deeply devoted father and loving husband, son, grandson, brother and uncle. We will ensure his daughter knows of his deep love for her."
They highlighted his kindness, generosity, and humour. Chris Picton stated that his brother was a registered organ donor but was unable to donate due to the legal coronial process, a circumstance the family found saddening despite understanding the reasons for the process. He also expressed surprise that initial bail was granted to the accused.
Official Responses and Condolences
Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Region Martin Haime addressed the media, stating that acts of violence can result in severe consequences and that the community is concerned by such incidents. He announced an increased police presence in Perth and regional entertainment areas leading up to New Year's Eve, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and violence.
WA Police Minister Reece Whitby did not comment directly on Mr. Picton's specific case but expressed general concern over the number of lives lost due to one-punch assaults.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, former WA Premier Mark McGowan, WA Premier Roger Cook, and Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison offered condolences and acknowledged Mr. Picton's contributions across the political and mining sectors. Premier Cook stated that Mr. Picton died in a "violent and senseless manner."