The man charged in connection with the tragic death of former Labor strategist Tim Picton now faces a manslaughter charge, as his legal team prepares to apply for bail.

A crowd of around 20 family members and supporters filled the courtroom at Perth Magistrates Court today for Brodie Jake Dewar’s appearance, which took place via video link from Hakea Prison.

The 20-year-old, slight in stature, stands accused of assaulting the 36-year-old Picton outside a Northbridge bar in Perth during the early morning hours of December 27.

Dewar is also in custody on a separate charge of grievous bodily harm related to an incident that occurred on Christmas Day in the Perth suburb of Kalamunda.

Previously granted bail for the grievous bodily harm charge, Dewar’s lawyer indicated they would seek to extend this bail to cover the new manslaughter charge, despite the prosecution not yet dropping the initial charge.

Watters, Dewar’s lawyer, emphasized that these were distinct incidents, arguing that Dewar’s request for bail in the manslaughter case deserves consideration.

He also said Dewar was likely to appeal to the Supreme Court over the December 25 charge, although it was not clear why.

The police prosecutor said he wasn’t prepared for a bail application and didn’t have a copy of the CCTV video of the incident involving Picton to play for the court.

Magistrate Benjamin White noted that a magistrate at the Armadale court, which previously heard Dewar’s December 25 charge, had stated the prosecution had a strong case due to the video footage of the alleged incident and a term of imprisonment was possible.

Watters said the Armadale magistrate had not seen full CCTV video recording of the altercation, which allegedly involved Dewar, a man and a woman.

White could not be swayed and said he would hear Dewar’s bail application next Friday.

Watters said he would make submissions about Picton’s interaction with Dewar’s cousin on December 27, although it was not clear whether they would be oral submissions during the hearing or written.

After White adjourned the matter, several of Dewar’s supporters shouted out: “We love you Brodie”.

He made the sign of a heart with his hands in reply.