‘Unravelling’ led to alleged domestic violence murder in Bronte, Sydney

A court has heard that a couple’s relationship was “unravelling” before a man was charged with the murder of his wife in a leafy Sydney suburb.

A man has been charged with murdering his wife following an alleged domestic violence-related incident. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

An elderly man charged with the murder of his wife in Sydney’s eastern suburbs will remain behind bars after a judge denied his bid to be freed on bail.

Steven Barker is facing allegations he killed his wife Christine Barker after “an unravelling of a relationship at home”, a court has heard.

Ms Barker, 74, died after an alleged domestic violence incident at the couple’s home in Bronte on Thursday night.

After responding to a call over concerns for her welfare, officers found Ms Barker with critical injuries outside the couple’s home.

She was treated at the scene before she was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, where she died a short time later.

Mr Barker, with grey hair, a beard and glasses, was taken away in handcuffs by police on Thursday night, wearing a light coloured T-shirt that appeared to have blood stains on one of the sleeves.

Police arrived at the scene about 6pm on Thursday to find an elderly woman with critical injuries. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Monique Harmer

Mr Barker appeared at Waverley Local Court on Friday afternoon, with the prosecution telling the court the case against Mr Barker was already “overwhelming”, as he had made detailed admissions to police about his interactions with his wife before her death.

A witness “who sadly witnessed the entire incident provided an in-detail account to officers,” police prosecutor Sergeant Nicole McMahon told the court.

Mr Barker’s lawyer Matthew Bogunovich argued for him to be released, saying that he did not pose an unacceptable risk to other family members or the community.

Police were called over a concern for welfare report. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Monique Harmer

Emergency services at the scene. Picture: Supplied

The woman died shortly after being rushed to hospital. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Monique Harmer

Mr Bogunovich also argued that there was a high likelihood he would suffer in prison due to Covid-19, adding that because of the nature of the allegations against him, he would likely have to enter protective custody.

“He is not by any stretch an unacceptable flight risk,” Mr Bogunovich said.

“He’s 74, he has no record whatsoever in any jurisdiction, never been charged with an offence or been subject to an AVO.

“He not only had a very long marriage with the victim but a very long career as a civil engineer.”

Mr Barker, sporting a black eye, sat silently as his bid for bail was denied by Magistrate Clare Farnan.

Mr Bogunovich conceded “the strength of the prosecution case” due to him being found at the scene in bloody clothes.

As well, the court heard that the injuries he suffered were consistent with the prosecution’s case.

Police at the alleged murder scene on Friday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

A 74-year-old man was charged with the woman’s murder on Friday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Sergeant McMahon told the court that Mr Barker displayed “significant violence” in the alleged incident, arguing that “the court could not possibly see this person as not an unacceptable risk”.

Ms Farnan denied Mr Barker’s bail application and he will return to court on November 8.

His family declined to comment when approached by the media.