Elderly man accused of killing wife granted bail

An 85-year-old great-grandfather accused of murdering his sick wife has been released from jail so he can spend time with his family.

Harold Barclay's lawyer, Mark Andrews, said on Wednesday that his client was "gravely ill" with melanoma and his prognosis was not good.

Mr Barclay was released from Casuarina Prison two weeks after he allegedly murdered 83-year-old Nancy, his wife of 63 years.

"This is a most unusual circumstance ... we all agreed that it was fair and just that he be granted bail," Mr Andrews said.

The Supreme Court heard the Alexander Heights man had been the full-time carer for his wife, who had Alzheimer's.

When he went to bed a fortnight ago, his wife had not taken her sleeping pills and remained sitting at the dining table.

When she was still there in the early hours of the morning, Mr Barclay tried to help her, but she fell to the floor.

That's when it's alleged he strangled her, later telling police he wanted to relieve her "misery".

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Mr Barclay's lawyer says the great grandfather was also desperate to attend his wife's funeral, and now that he has been released from prison arrangements will be made for that to go ahead.

"I'm sure he'll also be most relieved to get home and spend time, however much time he may have, with his family members," Mr Andrews said.

Harold Barclay will return to court again next month.