Former Officer Avoids Jail Time After Taser Incident Claims Life of 95-Year-Old Woman

Kristian White, found guilty of manslaughter for Tasering Clare Nowland at an aged care home, has been sentenced to community service instead of jail time, attorney expresses remorse while sparking public outcry over police use of force policies.

A former police officer has dodged a prison sentence after being convicted for the fatal Tasering of Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old great-grandmother suffering from dementia, at an aged care facility in Australia. The incident occurred in May 2023, when officer Kristian White reported using the Taser to avert a "violent confrontation," claiming he encountered Mrs. Nowland confused and holding a small kitchen knife.

A jury found White guilty of manslaughter last November, as prosecutors contended that his use of force against the frail elderly woman was "grossly disproportionate." The case prompted significant public outcry, with the presiding judge citing it as “unlike any other” he had faced in nearly two decades on the bench.

In the New South Wales Supreme Court, Justice Ian Harrison characterized White's actions as a "terrible mistake," emphasizing the substantial misinterpretation of the situation involving a "frail and confused 95-year-old woman" who posed no genuine threat. He stated, “The simple but tragic fact would seem to me to be that Mr. White completely - and on one available view inexplicably - misread and misunderstood the dynamics of the situation.”

The courtroom proceedings revealed body cam footage from the incident, depicting White warning Mrs. Nowland to drop her knives before firing his Taser, which subsequently led to her falling and suffering a fatal brain injury. The defense pointed to the perceived threat Mrs. Nowland posed, as noted by a paramedic and the officer’s partner, whereas prosecutors argued she weighed under 48 kg (105 lb) and relied on a walker.

Family members confronted White's actions during the sentencing hearing, with Michael Nowland, Clare's son, highlighting the trauma induced by what he dubbed a "gutless coward act," and expressed the family's quest for justice. Before the court, White expressed deep regret for the outcomes of his actions and the pain caused to the Nowland family and the community.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Justice Harrison concluded that a prison sentence was unnecessary, considering White had already lost his job and faced ostracism from the community, projecting that he did not pose a risk of reoffending. Thus, White was sentenced to two years of community corrections and 425 hours of community service.

Mrs. Nowland's passing ignited widespread outrage, prompting discussions regarding the appropriateness of NSW Police's use of Tasers. Commissioner Karen Webb labeled the tragedy as "unacceptable" while reaffirming the legitimacy of the police's policies and training concerning Taser deployment.