Jerry Aniseto Masipau to Stand Trial Over Fatal Attack on Former Labor MP Barry Urban
Jerry Aniseto Masipau, the man accused of fatally attacking former Labor politician Barry Urban, will stand trial after pleading not guilty to manslaughter charges. The 26-year-old defendant appeared at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where the matter was committed to the Supreme Court for trial, with his first preliminary appearance scheduled for May 18.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The incident occurred on November 26, 2024, at a tyre shop in Kelmscott where Mr Urban worked. Prosecutors allege that Mr Masipau, a customer at the shop, got into an argument with the 56-year-old ex-Labor MP. It is claimed that Mr Masipau struck Mr Urban once on the right side of his head, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground.
Mr Urban suffered a fractured skull and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition. He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain but tragically died in hospital on February 15 last year. Following his death, the charge against Mr Masipau was upgraded from grievous bodily harm to manslaughter.
Court Proceedings and Additional Charges
Mr Masipau, who has been on bail in the community, entered a not guilty plea to the manslaughter charge. He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting the tyre shop proprietor, Sean Ellis, in circumstances of aggravation—allegedly armed with a dangerous weapon and entering the premises without consent.
The accused, a Samoan man who recently moved with family to Western Australia, speaks limited English and is assisted by an interpreter in court. Prosecutors had opposed granting him bail, arguing he was a flight risk due to his New Zealand citizenship, but he has surrendered his passport, and his bail was renewed.
In addition to the manslaughter and assault charges, Mr Masipau faces three other charges related to the Kelmscott incident: common assault, no authority to drive, and reckless driving. He has not yet entered pleas to these charges, which will be next heard in Perth Magistrates Court on July 13.
Background on Barry Urban
Barry Urban was at the centre of one of Western Australia's most bizarre political scandals. He was forced to quit politics in 2018 after wearing a fake medal at a commemoration service, which prompted a by-election for the seat of Darling Range. In 2021, he was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to forging records and lying to State Parliament.
Mr Masipau did not speak with media when he left court, and the case continues to unfold as it moves toward trial in the Supreme Court.
