86-year-old murder accused sent to higher court for fitness to plead question

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged family violence.

The 86-year-old accused of murdering his wife of 60 years has been committed to a higher court for a fitness to plead application.

Manfred Uhle allegedly killed his wife, 78-year-old Wanda Dorothy Uhle, whose body was found at their townhouse in Gordon on 2 June 2024.

He went on to enter a not guilty plea to a charge of murder after he was arrested.

Last month, his defence lawyers told the ACT Magistrates Court they had identified that his fitness to plead was an issue and wanted to put forward an application on the matter.

Mr Uhle, who is in custody, appeared over an audio-visual link when he returned to court on Tuesday (1 October), and he could be seen seated at a table next to a mobility stroller.

Magistrate Robert Cook reviewed documents in the matter and then committed Mr Uhle to the Supreme Court for it to determine the fitness to plead question.

The case will first appear in the higher court on 9 October to begin the process.

Magistrate Cook also remanded Mr Uhle in custody.

According to court documents, Mr Uhle drove to a relative’s home at around 7 am on 2 June in his pyjamas and robe with no shoes on and appeared shaken when he arrived.

When the relative asked where Ms Uhle was, he allegedly replied, “I’ll tell you what’s happened; I just need to catch my breath”, before saying they’d had a fight and she was now sleeping.

Another relative called police to conduct a welfare check.

When officers arrived at the Gordon home, they found her naked body in the fetal position under a blanket, allegedly with wounds to her chest and wrist.

A 30 cm serrated knife was found inside, covered with a towel, along with blood in the home’s toilet, laundry and hallway.

Ms Uhle’s cause of death was found to be blood loss as a result of multiple stab wounds.

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.