SYDNEY, Australia — Senior Constable Kristian White, a New South Wales police officer, has been found guilty of manslaughter after fatally tasing Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old great-grandmother, at a nursing home in May 2023.
The court ruled that White’s actions were excessive and unjustified, as Nowland, who had dementia and was holding a knife, did not pose an imminent threat.
The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge, a nursing home in Cooma, New South Wales, after staff called emergency services for assistance when Nowland, using a walker, refused to return to her room and threw a knife that landed on the floor.
White and another officer cornered her in a small office where she refused to relinquish a steak knife.
White ultimately deployed his Taser, causing Nowland to fall backwards and sustain a fatal head injury. She died a week later in hospital.
Court Findings and Verdict
After three days of deliberation, the jury convicted White of manslaughter, determining that he had breached his duty of care and acted unlawfully.
New South Wales police regulations state that Tasers may only be used on elderly individuals in “exceptional circumstances,” a condition the jury found was not met.
The prosecution argued that White’s use of the Taser was “utterly unnecessary” and a clear overreach of force.
“This was not a mere breach of the standard of care,” said Crown Prosecutor Brett Hatfield.
“This was such an utterly unnecessary and obviously excessive use of force on Mrs. Nowland that it warrants punishment for manslaughter.”
White testified that he believed a violent confrontation was imminent, justifying the use of the Taser.
However, video evidence played in court showed White aiming the taser at Nowland for over a minute before saying, “Nah, bugger it,” and firing the device.
In his judgment, Justice Ian Harrison noted that White did not act out of anger, malice, or revenge, but failed to properly assess the situation.
“It was no more and no less than an error of judgment with fatal consequences,” Harrison wrote.
Community and Family Reaction
Nowland’s family expressed gratitude for the verdict but criticised the court’s decision to allow White to remain free on bail pending his sentencing next year.
“We are disappointed that Kristian White is not in custody and are struggling to understand why he is able to move freely in the community despite having been found guilty of manslaughter,” the family said in a statement.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in Australia, raising questions about police protocols and the use of force, particularly against vulnerable individuals like the elderly.
Incident Highlights and Police Accountability
Closed-circuit footage presented in court showed Nowland sitting in a small office with a walker nearby before White and his partner arrived.
White repeatedly asked her to place the knife on the table, but after she refused and stood up, he fired the Taser.
During the trial, the defense attempted to justify the use of force, but contradictions in White’s testimony undermined his claims.
The prosecution pointed out his evasive answers and the apparent lack of an immediate threat posed by Nowland, who was described as frail and small in stature.
Awaiting Sentencing
White has been suspended from the NSW Police Force without pay. He remains free on bail, with sentencing scheduled for next year.
The court acknowledged concerns about White’s safety in custody, given the risks posed to convicted police officers in prison.
Nowland’s death has reignited debates in Australia about police accountability and the treatment of elderly and vulnerable individuals during emergency responses.
For her family, the verdict brings some closure but leaves lingering questions about justice and the consequences of excessive force.
