An elderly man charged with murdering his 92-year-old wife has withdrawn his bail application and will be moved from hospital to prison.

Donald Morley, 92, was charged with murder after the body of Jean Morley was discovered at a home in Fisher on Monday afternoon.

Officers were called to the residence when a care worker on a scheduled visit found the body.

Morley was taken into custody on Monday evening and was charged with one count of murder.

He had been in hospital under an emergency detention order which has since expired.

Defence lawyer Nathan Deakes said he had been instructed to withdraw Morley’s bail application.

“The circumstances mark him as a prisoner at risk,” Mr Deakes told the court.

Morley will be placed in a segregated cell at the Alexander Maconochie Centre and will be constantly monitored due to the risk of suicide.

Mr Deakes indicated Morley had been provided documentation to apply for a court grant due to his age and would potentially make another bail application.

Magistrate Jane Campbell said the court would hear the matter again on August 11.

“It’s a tragic situation,” she said.

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

By Maeve Bannister in Canberra