Gay Bernadette Branchi, 88, has been charged with attempting to kill her husband, former Automotive Holdings Group chair Robert Branchi, 90, at their aged care home in Perth. Police say the alleged incident took place on 24 September, shortly after his birthday; the case matters because the charge concerns a serious alleged crime involving an elderly couple.

Mrs Branchi appeared in court by video link and was initially refused bail, with the magistrate citing the seriousness of the allegation while expressing concern about her vulnerability and possible dementia. She was later released on bail and is due at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The couple reportedly shared a room at The Queenslea, where deposits exceed A$1.6 million; Robert Branchi previously held more than 17 million company shares, valued at about A$53 million at one point.