Elderly Perth man accused of 'mercy killing' freed with just months to live

An elderly Perth man accused of strangling his sick wife in a mercy killing has been freed on bail.

Harold Barclay, 85, who is dying of cancer, was released from Casuarina Prison yesterday afternoon after a judge ruled the case was exceptional.

Mr Barclay had been caring for his 83-year-old wife Nancy, who had Alzheimer's disease, at their Alexander Heights home.

The Supreme Court heard he woke two weeks ago to find she hadn't taken her sleeping tablets, and had been sitting at the dining table all night.

When Mr Barclay tried to help his wife up, she fell. It's alleged he then strangled her and later told police he wanted to put her out of her misery.

Mr Barclay has has months to live, due to advanced melanoma. Until recently, he hadn't told his family about the extent of his condition.

Mr Barclay is staying with his daughter and plans to attend his wife's funeral. As part of his bail conditions he must obey a curfew and report to police.