A police officer who tasered a 95-year-old woman with dementia symptoms at an Australian care home has been found guilty of her manslaughter. Senior Constable Kristian White, 34, used his weapon on Clare Nowland after the great-grandmother was found wandering with two steak knives on May 17, 2023. After the incident, Nowland fell and sustained head injuries, leading to her death a week later, which sparked public outrage.
The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged-care home, located about 114 kilometers south of Canberra. Witnesses reported seeing Nowland, who relied on a walker and had not been formally diagnosed with dementia but displayed signs of cognitive decline, moving slowly through the facility before confronting White with one of the knives.
Prosecutors, during the trial at the New South Wales Supreme Court, argued White's use of force was unreasonable. The jury deliberated for approximately 20 hours before reaching their verdict, which drew gasps from the courtroom audience. Many were shocked to learn about the circumstances of the officer's actions, especially considering Nowland's advanced age and her limited physical capability.
Before she was tasered, video evidence showed Nowland shuffling forward approximately one meter over the span of one minute. White was recorded saying "nah, bugger it" before discharging his taser, even as she remained two meters away from him. After the shock, she fell backward, sustaining severe injuries and eventually succumbing to a fatal brain bleed.
Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield encapsulated the prosecution's concerns with incredulity—"Who could she have injured at the moment? No one," he stated during closing arguments. Hatfield emphasized the quickness of the taser deployment only three minutes after emergency services arrived, implying the officer acted out of frustration and impatience rather than necessity.
The defense painted White's actions as proportionate under the circumstances, claiming he feared for his safety. Evidence from other senior constables at the scene suggested they too felt threatened by Nowland, yet they also admitted they had opportunities to move out of harm's way due to her mobility issues. Defense barrister Troy Edwards contended there was no guarantee White would face imprisonment, reflecting on the varied outcomes related to manslaughter charges.
Following the conviction, White was suspended from duty without pay and faced scrutiny over whether he would serve jail time. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb indicated there would be procedures to remove White from the police force. She highlighted the need for thorough reviews of the incident, stating, "The death of Clare Nowland is a terrible tragedy… this should never have happened."
This incident spotlights serious concerns about police procedures and the protocols for handling vulnerable individuals. Questions are being raised not only about the appropriateness of the taser policy but also the need for extensive training related to dealing with elderly or disabled people, particularly those showing signs of dementia.
Justice Ian Harrison, presiding over the case, stated he had not encountered such atypical circumstances concerning police use of force during his 18-year tenure as a Supreme Court judge. He indicated the nature of this case—centered upon negligence without intent to harm—called for careful consideration of the upcoming sentencing.
Considering the wide range of potential penalties, which could be as severe as 25 years, many speculate about what constitutes reasonable punishment under these unfortunate circumstances. The court, acknowledging its weighty responsibilities, seeks to balance accountability against the nuances of White's law enforcement role.
White's family has expressed sorrow over the tragic outcome, and his future remains uncertain as more details surrounding his sentence and life post-conviction emerge. Meanwhile, Clare Nowland's family released a statement expressing their gratitude to the prosecutors and jury for seeking justice, though they also acknowledged the long road of emotional healing now lay before them.
This case serves as a somber reminder of the complex interactions between law enforcement and vulnerable populations, raising significant moral questions about use of force, duty of care, and the very nature of protection provided by those sworn to serve and protect. With society watching closely, the repercussions will likely ripple through discussions on policing practices for years to come.
