A New South Wales police officer has been found guilty of manslaughter after he fatally tasered a 95-year-old grandmother, Clare Nowland, who was holding a knife at her nursing home.
The Incident That Shocked a Nation
Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White, 34, discharged his taser at Nowland in a treatment room at Yallambee Lodge aged care home in Cooma during the early hours of May 17, 2023. The great-grandmother was holding a steak knife at the time. In video footage played at the NSW Supreme Court trial, White was heard saying, “Nah, bugger it,” before firing the stun gun at Nowland’s torso.
The impact caused Nowland to fall backwards, hitting her head. She was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away a week later.
Jury Deliberates for 20 Hours
After eight days of hearing evidence and submissions, including testimonies from nursing staff, paramedics, and White’s police supervisor, a 12-person jury reached a verdict. They deliberated for 20 hours before finding White guilty of manslaughter on Wednesday in the NSW Supreme Court.
White was released on bail and is expected to be sentenced later in the year. Images showed him leaving the court and getting into a car before driving off, avoiding the media.
Family’s Response to the Verdict
Following the decision, the Nowland family released a statement expressing their feelings about the verdict.
“The Nowland family were present in court today when Kristian White was convicted of the manslaughter of their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Clare,” the statement read. “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.”
They also thanked the judge, jury, and the prosecution team for their hard work and careful consideration of the matter.
Police Commissioner Calls Incident a “Terrible Tragedy”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb addressed the verdict, describing Nowland’s death as a “terrible tragedy” that “should never have happened.”
She admitted to watching the video footage some months ago, stating it was “difficult to watch.” Webb mentioned that White’s employment status is under review, with a decision expected by next week.
“It’s a legal process in itself, and a process has to be followed for it to be legally valid,” she said.
Webb also noted that a review of the force’s taser policy and training was undertaken in January, but no updates or amendments were necessary.
“The policy and training is appropriate,” she affirmed.
The Commissioner plans to reach out to the Nowland family to discuss the court outcome personally.
Defense vs. Prosecution Arguments
During the trial, crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC urged jurors to find White guilty, labeling his actions as “utterly unnecessary and obviously dangerous.” He argued that Nowland posed a limited threat and that no one was in imminent danger of being stabbed when the taser was fired.
On the other hand, defense counsel Troy Edwards SC contended that White’s use of force was reasonable and proportionate to the danger the 95-year-old posed while holding the knife. He emphasized that it was a police officer’s duty to maintain the peace, and White acted to protect others from potential harm.
What’s Next?
With the guilty verdict delivered, the focus now shifts to White’s sentencing, which is expected later in the year. The case has sparked widespread discussions about police use of force, especially in situations involving the elderly or vulnerable individuals.
The Nowland family’s tragic loss has resonated with many, prompting calls for greater accountability and review of police protocols in handling such delicate situations.
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