Former Royal Australian Navy captain Marcia Chalmers has been identified as the elderly woman who died after an alleged assault at her home in Sydney’s inner west.
Police allege a 53-year-old man, who had been hired as a gardener by 86-year-old Chalmers, entered her Derwent St property in Glebe about 8.30am on October 31.
According to investigators, a dispute over a payment issue escalated and the man allegedly struck Chalmers in the face before leaving the home.
Chalmers was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious condition, where medical staff discovered a bleed on her brain.
She died in hospital nearly a week later, at about 2.45am on November 6.
The man was arrested on November 2 and initially charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm.
Following Chalmers’ death, police upgraded the charges to include manslaughter on November 12.
He became aware of the upgraded charges during an appearance at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday and is expected to return to court on January 20.
Chalmers has been honoured by the Royal Australian Navy, which remembered her for her “warmth, tenacity and for ‘standing up for her girls’.”
“The AusNavy is deeply saddened by the death of the late Commander Marcia Chalmers RAN Retd,” the Navy wrote in a social media post.
“Commander Chalmers made a profound and lasting contribution to the Royal Australian Navy, and her legacy is honoured by every woman who serves in our Navy.”
Chalmers joined the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) in 1958 and spent her career advocating for equal opportunities for women.
She rose to become Director of the WRANS, and her work helped open the door for women to serve at sea for the first time in 1985.
“After 31 years of distinguished service, she retired in 1989 and continued to serve the community through St Johns Ambulance,” the tribute continued.
“Lest we forget.”
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