Ex-Labor MP Barry Urban in stable condition as man accused of attack Jerry Masipau spends Christmas in prison

Former politician Barry Urban remains in a stable condition in hospital as the man accused of attacking him at a Kelmscott tyre business spent Christmas in prison. The disgraced ex-Labor MP has been recovering at Royal Perth Hospital for the past four weeks after he was allegedly punched several times by Jerry Aniseto Masipau after a verbal argument escalated at the business on Gillam Drive. Urban was left fighting for his life after the alleged incident but last week began showing signs of improvement. An RPH spokeswoman told The West Australian the 55-year-old was now in a stable condition. News of his condition comes as Mr Masipau fronted Armadale Magistrates Court for the second time on Christmas Eve. During the brief hearing, the court was told the 25-year-old had obtained a new lawyer and asked for the matter to be adjourned until the new year where it is expected he will apply for bail. Police have alleged the Seville Grove man attacked Urban after during a heated argument broke out between the pair. It was during this heated exchange they allege Mr Masipau punched Urban, causing him serious head injuries. Police also allege as Mr Masipau was leaving the premises, he drove at a 19-year-old male who had tried to help Urban and had to leap out of the way to avoid being struck by the vehicle. Urban was jailed for three years in 2021 for lying about his work, police and military service — and then continuing those lies before a powerful State Parliamentary committee. He was released from prison last year and had pursued a fresh start at a tyre business in Kelmscott, where he had recently been appointed manager. Urban’s lies were first exposed by The West Australian in 2017, which revealed medals he wore and claimed were for investigations of war crimes in Bosnia were fakes. It was revealed that Urban had embellished his educational background, forging documents claiming he had degrees and certificates from Leeds and Portsmouth universities—which he never attended. Mr Masipau is expected to appear in court again in January.