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Charges dropped against Dean Jorg Kowitz following Mandurah murder investigation

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

THE charge of assault occasioning bodily harm made against Dean Jorg Kowitz was discontinued in Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Mr Kowitz was charged after Sean O’Reilly was found dead by a neighbour on June 20 at their Boundary Road unit complex in Mandurah.

Mr Kowitz had been remanded in custody at Hakea prison for the past three months.

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A neighbour of both men, who does not want to be named, told the Mandurah Coastal Times that he found Mr O’Reilly naked from the waist down under his vehicle.

“I was going out that morning to buy some tea bags,” he said.

The neighbour thought Mr O’Reilly had passed out drunk under his car “again” and said he “kicked him.”

It was then he realised he was dead and called police.

Mr O’Reilly’s death was initially treated as a homicide.

Forensic officers shut down Boundary Road and combed the area.

Mr Kowitz was charged with grievous bodily harm and arrested soon after.

Mr Kowitz’s lawyer John Hawkins said it was an outstanding result.

Mr Hawkins said three months in jail is a long time and Mr Kowitz “did it hard”.

Mr Kowitz was still confused regarding the result of the case, but will be released soon.

When Mr Hawkins was asked about the prospect of compensation for Mr Kowitz, he shrugged and said, “that is the criminal justice system for you”.

The neighbour said the Boundary Road unit complex was a hotbed of anti-social behaviour.

He said Mr Kowitz and Mr O’Reilly had ongoing personal problems.

Mr Hawkins made an application to the court for the sum of $2200 to be paid toward Mr Kowitz’s legal costs.

Magistrate Vivien Edwards granted the application.