A man facing charges in connection with the death of Labor figure Tim Picton has confessed to attacking another individual.
The incident in question occurred in the Perth suburb of Kalamunda on December 25, shortly after midnight. Allegedly, the accused punched a man to the ground outside a local pub.
Appearing in Armadale Magistrates Court today, the accused, Dewar, who is currently out on bail, entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge of assault causing bodily harm related to this incident.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Dewar recorded the victim lying on the ground with his mobile phone, making remarks such as “don’t hit on my sister” and “bro, keep snoring.”
Subsequently, Dewar used the inebriated victim’s phone to call for an Uber after the man’s friends came to his aid.
The victim, who suffered minor injuries, later informed the police that he had no recollection of the event, which had been captured on CCTV footage.
Dewar is scheduled to reappear in Armadale Court for sentencing on May 6.
He is scheduled to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on April 29 on the manslaughter charge relating to Picton’s death.
Picton, who has been lauded as a brilliant political tactician, died in hospital several weeks after hitting his head on the pavement during the incident with Dewar.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief from his family, friends and colleagues, as tributes flowed from the prime minister, several premiers and business leaders.
A Perth court has previously heard Picton was ejected from the Paramount Nightclub due to intoxication.
He had repeatedly grabbed Dewar’s 18-year-old cousin around the waist and made unwanted advances towards her, defence lawyer Simon Watters has previously told the court.
The young woman, Dewar and others in their group repeatedly told Picton to stop and go away, but the unwanted attention continued, the court heard.
Dewar allegedly struck Picton’s face outside a fast-food restaurant and he fell to the ground, hitting his head.
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