A New South Wales police officer has been found guilty of manslaughter after tasering a 95-year-old woman at an aged care home in Cooma, leading to her death.
Kristian White, 34, used his taser on Clare Nowland at Yallambee Lodge on May 17, 2023, after a staff member made a triple-0 call when Nowland, who was suffering from dementia, was seen roaming the facility with a steak knife while using a walker.
The Hamper Emporium
Type: Retail
The Hamper Emporium offers premium gift hampers for all occasions, featuring gourmet treats and luxury items.
Phone: 1300 459 452
White, alongside another officer, responded to the call. However, after discharging the taser, Nowland fell and hit her head. She passed away a week later in Cooma Hospital from an inoperable brain bleed.
The guilty verdict was delivered after five days of deliberation by a 12-person jury in the NSW Supreme Court. The decision brought relief to Clare Nowland’s family, who were seen embracing in the courtroom after the verdict was read. White remained silent, his head lowered, as the verdict was announced.
The charge of manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. White remains on bail, with further proceedings set to take place tomorrow to discuss the Crown’s application for detention.
In a statement released by lawyer Sam Tierney on behalf of the Nowland family, they expressed their gratitude to the judge and jury for their careful deliberation. They also acknowledged the hard work of the prosecution team.
“The family will take some time to come to terms with the jury’s confirmation that Clare’s death at the hands of a serving NSW police officer was a criminal and unjustified act,” the statement read.
During the trial, Crown Prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC argued that White had acted with criminal negligence by using his taser unnecessarily and excessively. He highlighted Nowland’s age, her reliance on a walker, her dementia, and her increased fall risk, noting that the officers present had the ability to move away from her instead of using force.
