Kristian White’s actions after Clare Nowland was found with a knife sparked public outrage and raised questions about police protocol. He will be sentenced later, as the case highlights severe implications for police use of force.
Officer Convicted of Manslaughter After Tasing 95-Year-Old Woman
Officer Convicted of Manslaughter After Tasing 95-Year-Old Woman
A senior constable in Australia has been found guilty of manslaughter for using a Taser on a 95-year-old woman with dementia, leading to her death.
A police officer in Australia has been found guilty of manslaughter after he Tasered a 95-year-old woman suffering from dementia, leading to her death a week later. Kristian White, 34, was on duty when Clare Nowland was discovered wandering in a care facility with a small kitchen knife on the morning of May 17, 2023.
The incident has drawn significant public attention and outrage, particularly given Mrs. Nowland's advanced age and frail condition. Weighing under 48kg (105lb) and relying on a walker, the elderly woman was seen as not posing any real threat, according to prosecutors. White claimed during the trial that his actions were necessary to protect himself and others, but prosecutors argued he failed to uphold his duty of care.
Details surrounding the case reveal that Mrs. Nowland had been displaying signs of cognitive decline without a formal dementia diagnosis. Her behavior had raised concerns among healthcare staff in the months prior to the incident. It was reported that emergency services were prompted to intervene when she was seen using knives, but the court heard accounts indicating her limited mobility and lack of immediate danger.
In the critical moments leading to the incident, White fired his Taser after warning Mrs. Nowland, despite her being several feet away and displaying no immediate intent to harm. Upon being struck, she fell, suffering a fatal brain injury. Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield emphasized, "Who could she have injured at that moment? No one," highlighting the disproportionate response from White.
While the defense pointed to testimonies that suggested the officer had felt threatened, evidence showed that both the paramedics at the scene and White’s partner could have easily moved to safety due to Mrs. Nowland's lack of mobility.
Following the verdict, Mrs. Nowland's family expressed their gratitude toward the legal teams involved, condemning the officer's actions as criminal and unjustified. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed that the incident represents a tragic failure, emphasizing a review of Taser protocols in the aftermath. Officer White is currently out on bail as he awaits sentencing, underlining the case's significant impact on police practices moving forward.
