A police officer in New South Wales has been convicted of manslaughter after using a Taser on 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who was found wandering in a care home with a small kitchen knife. Kristian White, 34, fired the weapon despite the elderly woman’s limited mobility and cognitive decline, resulting in a fatal brain bleed a week later.
The incident occurred on May 17, 2023, at Yallambee Lodge in Cooma. Despite arguments from White claiming his actions were justified due to perceived danger, prosecutors contended that Mrs. Nowland, who weighed less than 48kg (105lb) and relied on a walker, posed no real threat.
CCTV footage presented in the New South Wales Supreme Court depicted Mrs. Nowland using her walker slowly in the moments before the Taser was deployed. It showed no imminent danger, contradicting White’s assertion of an impending violent confrontation. Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield emphasized Mrs. Nowland's non-threatening nature, arguing White's impatience led to his reckless decision to use his weapon within mere minutes of arriving.
White had been on active duty with the NSW Police when he responded to the scene around 4 AM, where emergency services attempted to persuade Mrs. Nowland to drop the knife. His defense highlighted testimonies from fellow officers who felt threatened, yet admitted they could have safely distanced themselves given her age and limited range of motion.
Following the jury's verdict, Mrs. Nowland’s family expressed gratitude toward the judicial process while mourning the unjust loss of their loved one. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that White’s employment status is under review and recognized the tragedy of Mrs. Nowland's death, calling for a reflection on police protocols concerning Taser use.
White remains on bail pending sentencing, as the case raises critical discussions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals and the responsibilities of law enforcement.
