A terminally ill mechanic accused of shooting dead a western Sydney grandmother at her front door has been granted bail.
Rodney Boatswain, 64, was arrested in January almost three months after Helen Dawson Key was found dead at her Toongabbie home with a single bullet wound to the head.
In the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, Justice Robert Beech-Jones agreed to release Boatswain on bail given he was dying from throat cancer and may not live long enough to face trial for murder.
Justice Beech-Jones said the risks of Boatswain's release were mitigated by his medical condition.
"I am not satisfied of a bail concern materialising," he said.
Justice Beech-Jones ordered that Boatswain stayed at home with his wife, except to attend police, medical or welfare appointments.
Boatswain allegedly shot 75-year-old Mrs Dawson Key with a pistol when she answered her front door on the night of November 19.
The grandmother's body was found the next day by a friend who arrived to pick her up for lawn bowls.
"(It is) difficult to believe anyone would want to cause her any harm whatsoever," Justice Beech-Jones said of the late Mrs Dawson Key.
Prosecutors have described Boatswain as "bitter" and argue he has "nothing to lose" because of his illness.
It is also alleged Boatswain told a workmate: "I shot someone and I thought I would've been caught by now."
Justice Beech-Jones noted that Boatswain had constantly denied any involvement in Mrs Dawson Key's death.
Boatswain is set to face court again in September. However, his trial is not expected to begin until mid-2016.
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