PAUL Cate, the estranged father of murdered Dawesville teenager Jessie Cate died last Thursday night after an altercation at the Dawesville Caravan and Holiday Park.
It is alleged at 8.40pm Thursday night, Mr Cate and a friend were drinking in Mr Cate’s caravan following the news local man Kyle Garth had pleaded guilty to his daughter’s death.
It is alleged a fight broke out between Mr Cate and fellow park resident Timothy Skipper, resulting in Mr Cate suffering serious head injuries.
The altercation is not believed to be linked in any way with Jessie’s death.
Fellow residents of the caravan park said the fight was “brutal”.
“It started in Paul’s caravan and spilled out,” one witness said.
It is believed Mr Cate hit his head and despite paramedics giving CPR, he was pronounced dead on Thursday night.
Timothy Skipper, 41, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and fronted East Perth Magistrates Court on Monday morning.
He was remanded in custody to appear in Perth Magistrate’s Court on June 13.
No details of the alleged assault were given at the hearing.
According to records Mr Cate had lived at the park for less than three months while the accused had been a resident for just a few weeks.
It is believed Mr Cate was at the Bouvard Tavern before returning to his caravan on Thursday.
Fellow park residents said Mr Cate had been a “model neighbour”.
“He was a great bloke and was in good spirits despite everything,” his neighbour said.
“I can’t understand why this would happen to him.”
Detectives were at the scene for the long weekend, speaking with residents and witnesses to the assault. Glass repair workers were on site at Mr Cate’s caravan Monday morning, replacing a broken window.
Mr Skipper’s charges may be upgraded when he appears in Perth Magistrates Court on June 13.