Doonside bashing: Harley Bartolo charged with accessory after the fact to an offence

A man accused of being an accessory to the alleged bashing murder of 16-year-old Jason Galleghan is set to spend Christmas remanded in custody. 

A man accused of being an accessory to the alleged bashing murder of 16-year-old Jason Galleghan, who was killed inside a Doonside home in August, is set to spend Christmas behind bars on remand.

Harley Bartolo, 29, was arrested at a Werrington home in October and charged with accessory after the fact to an offence – murder and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.

Police allege Kayla Dawson lured Jason Galleghan to a Doonside home and arranged the fatal attack because the teenager had stolen her AirPods.

Dawson has been charged with murder and the court has previously heard she intends to defend the charges.

Bartolo had his charges mentioned in court on Friday and made no application for bail.

The matter was adjourned to February 25, meaning Bartolo is set to spend the festive season remanded in custody.

Registrar Kevin Lamond said there were 11 people currently before the courts in relation to the Doonside bashing death, five of which are minors.

EARLIER: Man faces court over bashing death of teen

- October 28, 2021

A man has appeared before court in connection with the bashing death of a 16-year-old boy.

Harley Bartolo, 29 faced Blacktown Court on Friday charged with accessory after the fact to an offence – murder, and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.

Bartolo’s lawyer appeared on his behalf and did not apply for bail.

His matter is set to return to the same court on December 10.

Strike Force Brens was established to investigate the death of a 16-year-old boy inside a Doonside home on August 4.

The boy was found unresponsive with injuries to his head and chest at a home on Perigee Close about 5.40pm. He was taken to Westmead Hospital, where he later died.

A candlelight vigil at the Doonside home where a 16-year-old boy was bashed to death by a group of kids. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Four boys – aged 14, 15 and two aged 13 – as well as a 15-year-old girl and 19-year-old woman have since been charged and remain before the courts.

Police said on Friday morning they had arrested a 29-year-old man at a home on Railway Street, Werrington, about 11.45am on Thursday.

He was taken to Blacktown Police Station, where he was charged with accessory after the fact to an offence – murder, and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.

Police have released CCTV vision of a man on Perigee Close, Doonside, around the time of the incident, who may be able to assist with their inquiries. Picture: NSW Police

As investigations continue, police have also released CCTV vision of a man on Perigee Close, Doonside, around the time of the incident, who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as being of medium build, with brown shoulder length hair and was wearing a dark T-shirt, light-coloured pants and dark-coloured running shoes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Blacktown Police Station on 9671 9199 or to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.