Murder-accused boy cries in WA court

An 11-year-old boy, believed to be the youngest person ever charged with murder in Australia, has cried in court during a bail application hearing that was deferred for a third time.

Patrick "Paddy" Slater, 26, died in hospital after he was attacked with star pickets, screwdrivers and rocks following a brawl near Elizabeth Quay Station in Perth in the early hours of January 27.

The boy, who is among five people charged with Mr Slater's murder, appeared in Perth Children's Court on Tuesday via video link from Banksia Hill Detention Centre, flanked by his parents.

He appeared to wipe away tears and sought comfort in the arms of his mother as the case was adjourned yet again.

More than two hours of proceedings were in a closed court and included debate about whether a suppression order should be placed surrounding allegations about the boy's parents and their background.

The application was denied and those details may be publicly revealed at his next court appearance.

The court previously heard the boy was already on bail over an aggravated robbery at the time of Mr Slater's death.

Prosecutor Sean Stocks said Mr Slater died from a "penetrating injury" to his chest and also suffered bruises and cuts to his body.

He alleged the boy and seven others played a role in inflicting injuries on the victim.

Defence lawyer Helen Prince said that at the time of the alleged murder the boy's parents were with a dying relative in hospital and left their son under the supervision of a sister and aunt.

On Tuesday, Children's Court President Denis Reynolds said he needed more information from the prosecution and defence before he could make a determination on the boy's bail.

He previously indicated he needed details about the boy's living, supervision and education arrangements.

The boy will remain in detention to appear in court again on April 26.

Meanwhile, the fifth person charged over Mr Slater's murder, 19-year-old Robert Christopher James Pickett, made his first appearance in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

He was not required to enter a plea and had his case adjourned to Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on April 20.