Sentencing announcement from the NSW Supreme Court

Officer Kristian White Guilty of Manslaughter in Clare Nowland's Taser Death

Nov 27, 2024, 06:30 AM

Kristian White, a New South Wales police officer, has been found guilty of manslaughter by the NSW Supreme Court for the fatal tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in a nursing home. The incident occurred in May 2023 when White used a Taser on Nowland, who had dementia and was holding a knife at a care facility in Cooma, regional NSW. Despite being 95 and using a walking frame, Nowland was tasered after White reportedly said 'bugger it' and fired. She suffered injuries from the fall and died in hospital days later. The jury deliberated for 20 hours before rejecting claims that White acted lawfully. Family members sobbed in court as the verdict was read. White, who is on bail, now faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced later. The case has led to calls for an inquiry into police use of force.