A senior police constable has been convicted of manslaughter after Taser-firing a 95-year-old woman with dementia symptoms, raising serious questions about law enforcement protocols and training.
Police Officer Convicted for Manslaughter of 95-Year-Old Woman
Police Officer Convicted for Manslaughter of 95-Year-Old Woman
Kristian White found guilty for the death of Clare Nowland, highlighting concerns about police response and use of force.
In a landmark case that has sparked widespread public concern in Australia, a police officer has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a 95-year-old woman with dementia. Kristian White, aged 34, was on duty when he used his Taser on Clare Nowland, who was reportedly wandering the halls of her care home with two small knives in the early hours of May 17, 2023.
The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge in Cooma, New South Wales, leading to Ms. Nowland's death a week later, which ignited a public outcry over police conduct and the use of force in such situations. The court heard that although Mrs. Nowland showed signs of cognitive decline, she posed no real threat to the officers or others at the care home at the time of the incident. She was described as frail, weighing under 48 kg (105 lbs) and requiring a walker to move.
Prosecutors argued that White acted out of impatience and failed his duty of care, firing his Taser merely three minutes after arriving on the scene. Footage shown during the trial illustrated that Mrs. Nowland was slowly moving toward officers before White warned her and then discharged the Taser while she was still several feet away. As a result, she fell and sustained a fatal brain bleed.
White's defense contended that he believed a “violent confrontation” was on the horizon and that he did not anticipate significant injury from his actions. However, it was clear to the prosecution that there were alternative options available to deal with Mrs. Nowland's situation safely, as even other officers expressed they could have moved to avoid harm due to her limited mobility.
Mrs. Nowland's family expressed their gratitude towards the legal system, acknowledging the jury's decision as validation of their loss and calling for privacy as they grieve. Meanwhile, the NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb, stated that White's employment is currently under review, and although the use of Tasers by the force has been deemed appropriate, the tragic death of Mrs. Nowland emphasizes a need for ongoing examination of police practices. White remains on bail, awaiting sentencing at a later date.
