A conscientious passer-by and social media have been credited for the quick arrest of a man whose alleged random Hobart street assault of a woman caused her death.
Police say the 71-year-old woman was crossing the street in suburban New Town about 9am on Saturday when she was assaulted by another pedestrian.
The woman fell, suffering a head injury and died in hospital overnight on Tuesday.
A woman who witnessed the assault photographed the man before calling police and going to the victim's aid.
Within hours of posting a photo on the Tasmania Police Facebook site and appealing for information a man was identified and arrested.
"The mere fact we were able to produce a picture to put on Facebook was down to the clear and concise thinking of a particular witness who observed events and took a photograph," Detective Inspector David Plumpton told reporters on Wednesday.
The woman's quick action showed courage, Insp Plumpton said.
"The lady was able to ensure her own safety and advise us and take a number of photographs using her mobile phone."
A 50-year-old man faced court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
He has been refused bail and is due to face court again in December when prosecutors will decide if he will be charged with a more serious offence.
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