Baby-faced 20 year old charged after prominent Labor figure Tim Picton was allegedly attacked outside a Perth pub
As Tim Picton fights for life in hospital, his alleged attacker was pictured for the first time.
By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA and AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 04:57 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 05:04 GMT, 29 December 2025
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