Kristian James Samuel White, an Australian police officer, has been found guilty of manslaughter for using a Taser on a 95-year-old nursing home resident. The jury in Sydney deliberated for 20 hours before reaching the verdict on Wednesday. White, who is currently out on bail, could face up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced later.
The incident involved Clare Nowland, a great-grandmother with dementia who was using a walker and was holding a steak knife. She refused to put down the knife when Officer White discharged his Taser at her in May 2023. Unfortunately, Nowland fell backward after being shocked and passed away a week later in the hospital.
The police initially stated that Nowland’s fatal injuries were a result of hitting her head on the floor rather than directly from the electric shock of the Taser. White’s employment status is now under review and subject to legal processes, according to NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. She expressed her condolences to Nowland’s family and acknowledged that the incident should never have occurred.
During the trial, video footage was shown where White can be heard saying “nah, bugger it” before using his weapon, despite being told multiple times by other officers to put the knife down. White, 34, defended his actions by stating that he believed anyone wielding a knife was dangerous based on his training.
Despite White’s arguments, the jury rejected the defense’s claim that his use of the Taser was a proportionate response to the situation. The prosecutor argued that White’s actions were “utterly unnecessary and obviously excessive.” This case has sparked discussions about the use of Tasers by officers in the state.
Nowland, a resident of Yallambee Lodge in Cooma, left behind a large family including eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. The tragic incident has raised questions about police conduct and the use of force in dealing with vulnerable individuals, especially those in nursing homes.
The state’s police force reviewed its Taser policy and training following the incident, but no changes were made. The verdict in this case serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training and protocols for law enforcement officers when dealing with elderly or vulnerable members of the community. The outcome of this trial will have lasting implications for police procedures and the handling of similar situations in the future.
