Gardener Faces Manslaughter Charge Following Death of Elderly Client
A 53-year-old gardener has been charged with manslaughter following the death of an 86-year-old woman he allegedly assaulted at her home in Sydney's inner-west.
Jason Easson appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday where he learned his original charges had been upgraded to manslaughter after his elderly client, Marcia Chalmers, died in hospital nearly a week after the alleged assault.
The Alleged Assault and Its Aftermath
Police allege that Easson entered Ms Chalmers' Glebe home at approximately 8:30am on Friday, October 31, where an argument allegedly erupted between the pair. According to court documents presented by Magistrate Glenn Bartley, the dispute was "originally over payment" and resulted in Easson suffering a "loss of self-control now leading to death."
The court heard that Easson, who was employed as Ms Chalmers' gardener, struck the 86-year-old woman in the face during the argument, causing a brain bleed that would ultimately prove fatal.
Ms Chalmers was transported to hospital in serious condition on the day of the alleged assault and remained there for nearly one week before passing away.
Legal Proceedings and Community Mourning
Easson's Legal Aid solicitor, Peter Agoth, informed the court that his client had only learned of the manslaughter charge that morning and applied for an adjournment. While Magistrate Bartley criticised police for not informing Easson of the upgraded charge in person, he refused to delay the detention application.
The 53-year-old was remanded in custody and is scheduled to face court again on January 20.
Meanwhile, the community prepares to farewell Ms Chalmers at a funeral service at Eastern Suburbs Cemetery in Sydney. The former Royal Australian Navy captain has been remembered as a committed servicewoman and a "generous spirit" who will be "missed by all."
Simon Cullen, president of the Naval Officers Association of Australia, paid tribute to Ms Chalmers, noting she served the Royal Australian Navy for 21 years and was "well respected for her professionalism and total commitment to the women of the RAN." She had been the last Director of the Womens Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS).
Easson had initially been charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and stalk/intimidate/intend fear physical harm before Ms Chalmers' death prompted the more serious manslaughter charge.
