South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton says he cannot bring himself to watch CCTV of the alleged assault that led to his brother Tim Picton’s death, describing the prospect as something that would stay with him forever.
In his first interview since Tim’s death, Mr Picton said he had been told what the footage shows but did not want the images blaring into his mind.
He also raised concerns about the long term impact if the video were ever made public particularly for Tim’s four year old daughter, Charlotte and for his own children.
Tim Picton, died on January 19 after spending weeks in a coma following an incident in Perth’s Northbridge entertainment precinct on December 27.
Mr Picton spoke about the family’s involvement in the decision to withdraw life support describing it as one of the hardest moments of his life.
Mr Picton said one of the most painful elements for the family was learning they could not proceed with Tim’s wish to become an organ donor because of the coronial and legal process that follows a suspected unlawful death.
He said the family understood the need to protect the justice process but it was still a devastating outcome on top of their grief.
A 20 year old man, Brodie Jake Dewar, has been charged with grievous bodily harm over the incident with the charge expected to be upgraded to manslaughter at a future court appearance.
Mr Picton said the family was now focused on supporting Tim’s wife, Priya and Charlotte and on finding ways to honour his brother’s legacy.
