Son of retired solicitor allegedly murdered inside South Coogee unit mourns ‘kind-hearted, gentle guy’

The son of a retired solicitor allegedly murdered inside his home in Sydney’s east has described his father as a “typical Aussie larrikin” who was always trying to help whoever he could.

Peter McCarthy, 77, was found with severe facial and head injuries inside his South Coogee unit by his ex-wife Denise five days before Christmas.

Police allege Narelle Smith bashed her elderly neighbour to death before stealing his satchel and mobile phone.

Heavily armed officers stormed the Elphinstone Road complex yesterday afternoon before the 46-year-old was charged with murder.

Jason McCarthy said his family had been struggling to come to terms with his father’s death.

“He was a typical Aussie larrikin with a well-mannered twist — he was…