Former Australian Police Officer Spared Jail Over Taser Death of 95-Year-Old Woman

A former Australian police officer has been spared jail after being found guilty of the manslaughter of a 95-year-old great-grandmother who was tasered at an aged care facility while suffering from dementia.

The New South Wales Supreme Court on Friday sentenced former senior constable Kristian James Samuel White to a two-year community correction order, requiring him to perform 425 hours of community service. The decision comes nearly two years after a police investigation into the tragic incident was launched.

The Incident

White, 35, was convicted for the manslaughter of Clare Nowland at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma on May 17, 2023. Nowland, who used a walker, was holding a steak knife when she refused police instructions to put it down. White reportedly remarked, "Nah, bugger it," before discharging his taser at her. The shock caused Nowland to fall backward and hit her head, leading to severe injuries. She died a week later in hospital.

The case sparked widespread controversy, prompting a high-level internal investigation by the New South Wales Police. It also reignited discussions about the use of tasers by law enforcement officers in the state and whether appropriate measures are in place to prevent excessive force against vulnerable individuals.

Family’s Reaction

Following the sentencing, Nowland's eldest son, Michael Nowland, expressed the family’s deep disappointment, calling the court’s decision "a slap on the wrist."

"A slap on the wrist for someone that's killed our mother - it's very, very hard to sort of process that, so speaking out is very emotional," he said. "Justice and fairness was all we wanted."

Court’s Justification for Sentence

Justice Ian Harrison, in delivering the verdict, described the incident as "falling in the lower end of objective seriousness" for manslaughter. He argued that a prison sentence would be a "disproportionate" punishment for White’s actions.

"He deployed his taser in response to what he perceived to be a threat that, in my view, never called for such a response. There were several ways he might have dealt with it differently," Harrison stated. "Mr. White clearly made the wrong choice."

The judge further noted that White had "completely misread and misunderstood the dynamics of the situation" and had "overestimated the level of threat posed by Mrs. Nowland."

White’s Apology

In a letter submitted to the court, White expressed deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his decision had caused immense harm.

"I understand that my actions were adjudged to be wrong and have caused great harm, not only to Mrs. Nowland, but also the emotional pain it caused to others, and for that, I am truly sorry," White wrote, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

He added, "I felt and still feel horrible about what happened. I know my apology won’t bring much comfort to Mrs. Nowland’s family, but I take full responsibility and accept the consequences of my actions."

Public Outrage and Calls for Reform

The case has reignited public debate about police use of force against elderly and vulnerable individuals. Critics argue that White’s light sentence fails to reflect the gravity of his actions and could set a dangerous precedent for law enforcement accountability.

Nowland’s death has also led to renewed calls for police reforms, particularly regarding the use of tasers in aged care and mental health situations. Advocacy groups are urging authorities to introduce stricter guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the community grapples with the court's ruling, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of excessive force and the ongoing need for reform in policing practices.