Elderly man accused of murdering his wife ‘probably unfit’ to stand trial, court hears

The lawyer representing a man accused of killing his 85-year-old wife at their home in Adelaide’s west says he is “probably unfit” to stand trial.

Francesco Dimasi, 92, is accused of murdering his wife Maria Dimasi, who was found dead at their Findon home in December last year.

Defence lawyer, Trish Johnson, told the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday that Mr Dimasi had “existing cognitive issues” and “deteriorating physical health which is leading to further cognitive issues”.

“I think he’s only going to deteriorate,” Ms Johnson said.

She told the court he was “too unwell” for correctional services to care for him.

Mr Dimasi did not appear via video link for the charge determination hearing.

He has been remanded at the James Nash House forensic mental health facility at Oakden.

The Port Adelaide Magistrates Court previously heard that Francesco Dimasi, who has dementia, was heavily intoxicated when he called police to tell them he had killed Ms Dimasi.

The court previously heard that when police responded to his call, they found Mr Dimasi covered in blood while sitting near a kitchen knife.

The matter will return to court on June 27.