A police officer has been found guilty of manslaughter following a controversial incident in which he Tasered a 95-year-old woman with signs of dementia. Kristian White, 34, was charged after Clare Nowland was struck while wielding a small kitchen knife at her care home in Cooma, Australia, on 17 May 2023. The aged woman succumbed to her injuries a week later, igniting public outrage over the use of deadly force against such a vulnerable individual.
During the New South Wales (NSW) Supreme Court trial, prosecutors argued that Mrs. Nowland posed no real threat, as she weighed less than 48 kilograms (105 lbs) and navigated with a walker. They emphasized White's "impatience" in addressing the situation, claiming he neglected his duty by failing to assess the danger accurately. The argument was supported by footage showcasing Mrs. Nowland's slow movement towards officers just moments before the Taser was deployed.
Emergency services first responded to Yallambee Lodge after receiving reports of Mrs. Nowland wandering the facility late at night with two serrated knives. While some staff reported feeling threatened, their testimonies indicated that they could have safely relocated to avoid confrontation, given her limited mobility. White fired his Taser about three minutes after encountering her, despite warnings that she was at a distance he could have safely avoided.
White, who was on duty at the time, claimed he believed a "violent confrontation" was about to occur. He also expressed devastation over Mrs. Nowland's death, though jurors were convinced of the reckless nature of his actions. Family members of the deceased expressed gratitude toward the court for confirming their belief that that the incident was unjustified.
Following the verdict, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that a review of Taser usage and training within the force found no immediate changes were necessary. White, released on bail, awaits sentencing as calls for accountability grow around this tragic incident.
