Former federal attorney-general Christian Porter acts as defence in child drowning case

The nation’s former attorney-general has appeared in court as the lawyer for a man accused of trying to drown his young son.

Former federal attorney-general Christian Porter has appeared in a Perth court representing a man who allegedly tried to drown his young son.

Mr Porter, now a criminal lawyer based in Perth, appeared in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday on behalf of his legal partner Seamus Rafferty.

The man’s four-wheel-drive in the water on the Dampier Foreshore shortly after the alleged incident on September 4. Picture: Facebook

The former member for Pearce under the Turnbull and Morrison governments was defending the 26-year-old man, who appeared via video link from the mental health Frankland Centre at Graylands Hospital.

The man allegedly drove his four-wheel drive along the sand at the Dampier Foreshore, Dampier, about 6.15am on September 4, before stopping and trying to drown a five-year-old boy in the water.

Circuit exercise group Complete Life Fitness was holding a class nearby when they spotted the alleged incident and intervened, with one woman aged in her 30s dislocating two fingers in the ensuing scuffle.

Members of circuit workout group Complete Life Fitness rushed to the aid of the five-year-old. Picture: Facebook / Complete Life Fitness

The man, who can’t be named for legal reasons, had his matter adjourned during Wednesday’s hearing.

He’ll be remanded in custody until an initial disclosure hearing on November 8, and Mr Porter made no application for his client’s bail.

The 26-year-old was charged with attempt to murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit a crime, reckless driving, and no authority to drive.

Former social services minister Christian Porter fronts the Robodebt royal commission. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Dampier is a coastal Pilbara area near Karratha, located more than 1500km north of Perth.

Mr Porter didn’t contend his seat at the 2022 federal election, and has since established Henley Stirling Lawyers with Mr Rafferty.

He appeared before the royal commission into the robodebt saga in February because of his time spent as social services minister.

Originally published as Former federal attorney-general Christian Porter acts as defence in child drowning case