Sydney woman who pushed 91yo refused bail

A Sydney woman accused of knocking a 91-year-old woman down a flight of stairs in a "callous" attack has been refused bail.

Alidea Elliott, 91, suffered a broken collarbone when she was knocked down the flight of stairs at a Surry Hills apartment block on Tuesday afternoon.

Police allege the assault happened just moments after Barbara Perry, 33, attempted to snatch a handbag from 59-year-old woman, Liudmila Firsova.

It's alleged Perry repeatedly kicked and punched Mrs Firsova before knocking over Mrs Elliott.

Both women were taken to hospital, where the 91-year-old is being treated for a fractured collar bone.

Mrs Firsova has a broken eye socket.

Later on Tuesday, another woman, 74-year-old Frances Brookes was also assaulted by Perry, police allege.

In refusing Perry bail at Central Local Court on Thursday, Magistrate John Bailey described her actions as "callous".

"The attack upon them was completely unprovoked and uncalled for."

He said it appeared Perry was on bail at the time of the alleged assaults, adding that her record "goes on page after page".

"The only way in which I can protect the community is to refuse bail," he said.

The court heard Perry has schizophrenia and an anxiety disorder and was experiencing symptoms of psychosis at the time of the assault.

It comes after Perry was arrested and charged on Wednesday with three counts of assault, including aggravated assault with intent to rob, recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Her matter will return to court next month.