Sydney businessman faces trial after allegedly poisoning wife’s tea
Stephan Wagner
A Sydney-based semi-retired businessman has been accused of poisoning his wife and has been charged with attempted murder, according to court documents.
Stephan Wagner, 61, allegedly spiked his wife’s tea with an ant poison. He appeared in Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday, a day after he was arrested from his home at Lanark Place, St Andrews, in Sidney.
According to the police, his wife Glenda Wagner, 66, became severely ill after consuming tea prepared by Wagner. Police seized a bottle of insecticide, which was likely used in the tea found in the house for forensic examination.
The court documents state that Wagner laced his wife’s tea with Ant-Rid, a common pest control product for domestic use, which he allegedly administered between January 2022 and September this year at their residence.
Wagner attended the Campbelltown Local Court session on Wednesday via video link from prison. His lawyer did not apply for bail. He will be appearing in court again later this year on December 4.
He has been chargedwith a string of domestic violence-related offences, including causing poison to be taken with intent to murder, using poison to endanger life, and using poison to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Wagner will remain in custody during his trial. He is also ordered to stay at least a kilometre away from his wife's home and work. An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) has been carried out by the police for his wife’s protection.
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According to a 7NEWS report, Wagner recently told his neighbours that his wife was ill due to allergies.
“I can’t believe it... I find it hard to believe... they were a nice couple,” a neighbour said.
Wagner’s LinkedIn profile bio reads, “Enjoying semi-retirement whilst still 'empowering business success.” In his 40-year career, he has worked with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
He has also worked at the University of NSW, and the University of Western Sydney as a part-time lecturer, and at Telstra, Optus, and Cisco.
(With inputs from agencies)
