Australian man accused of allegedly attempting to kill his wife by giving her poisoned tea

An Australian businessman has been accused of allegedly attempting to murder his wife by serving her poison-laced tea.

Police said the woman, 66, became seriously ill after drinking the brew purportedly prepared by Stephan Wagner.

The 61-year-old was arrested at a home in southwest Sydney on Tuesday and charged with causing poison to be taken with intent to murder.

A bottle of insecticide was also seized at the home and sent for forensic examination.

Wagner was charged with causing poison to be taken with intention to murder (domestic violence), using poison so as to endanger life (domestic violence), and using poison so as to inflict grievous bodily harm (domestic violence).

The man, who appeared before a local court via video link from prison on Wednesday, did not apply for bail.