Manfred Uhle is accused of killing his wife, Wanda Dorothy Uhle, at their Gordon home on 2 June 2024. Photo: Supplied.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to allegations of domestic violence.
An elderly man accused of murdering his wife of 60 years is suffering from dementia and doesn’t think she is dead, a court has heard.
Manfred Uhle is alleged to have stabbed 78-year-old Wanda Dorothy Uhle to death before her body was found at their townhouse in Gordon on 2 June 2024.
He indicated a not guilty plea to a charge of murder before he was committed to the ACT Supreme Court as his lawyers wanted to make an application around his fitness to plead.
The 87-year-old slowly entered the courtroom using a mobility stroller on Monday (7 July) and greeted several people sitting in the public gallery.
His defence lawyers, from Legal Aid, had asked the court to consider whether or not the question of fitness to plead had been raised and, if so, to investigate the issue further.
Justice David Mossop said the evidence before the court overwhelmingly established that the question had been raised.
He said Mr Uhle had a likely diagnosis of vascular dementia, with a solicitor and a family member writing affidavits describing him facing similar issues.
He suffered from memory loss, paranoia, delusions and confusion. He doesn’t believe his wife is dead, has been unable to recognise his own lawyer and demonstrated issues with his cognition, the court heard.
Justice Mossop ordered him to be examined by a psychiatrist regarding his fitness to plead and said the court would reserve its decision on that question.
The matter was adjourned for directions on 23 July then will return to court at a later date to hear the decision regarding his fitness to plead.
Mr Uhle remains in custody.
Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578. Local support services include the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) on 6280 0900, and Victim Support ACT on 1800 822 272 or 6205 2022. If this reporting has raised mental health concerns for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
