An Australian police officer has been convicted of manslaughter after a court ruled his use of a Taser on a 95-year-old woman led to her death.
The jury found Senior Constable Kristian White guilty following an eight-day trial in Sydney, where prosecutors argued that his actions were "utterly unnecessary and obviously excessive."
The incident took place in May 2023 at Yallambee Lodge, a nursing home in Cooma, Australia.
Clare Nowland, a dementia patient who used a walker, was holding a steak knife when officers responded to staff calls for assistance. Body camera footage shown in court revealed White saying "nah, bugger it," before deploying his Taser, causing Nowland to fall and hit her head. She died in the hospital a week later.
Police Officer Faces Up to 25 Years for Taser Death
Police said Nowland's fatal injuries were caused by her head striking the floor rather than the electric shock itself.
The jury, however, rejected White's defense that his actions were proportionate, given the circumstances. Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter described the footage of the incident as "confronting," but that it would "not be in the public interest" for people to see why.
White remains on bail and could face up to 25 years in prison when sentenced.
This case has reintroduced debates about the appropriate use of Tasers, particularly in situations involving vulnerable individuals. In January, the New South Wales (NSW) police reviewed their taser policy and made no changes. Nowland, who weighed just 95 pounds and stood five feet two inches tall, was described moving slowly toward officers at the time of the incident.
"The court has found Claire Nowland died as a result of the actions of a police officer. This should never have happened," said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
She offered her "deepest condolences" to Nowland's family.
'Very Poor Lack of Judgment' from NSW Police
Nowland's family and legal representation questioned why such force was used on a frail, elderly woman at the time of the altercation.
Andrew Thaler, a family spokesperson, said "The question will be, how was it appropriate to use this level of force on a 95-year-old woman?"
Nicole Lee, president of People with Disability Australia, criticized the police response, saying "She's either one hell of an agile, fit, fast and intimidating 95-year-old woman, or there's a very poor lack of judgment on those police officers."
Prosecutors emphasized that the officer failed to assess the reality of the threat posed by Nowland, who had dementia and was navigating the room with a walker.
White, 34, argued in court that he was trained to view anyone wielding a knife as inherently dangerous, regardless of age or condition.
What Happens Next to Kristian White?
White remains free on bail, with proceedings adjourned until tomorrow for arguments on a Crown application seeking his detention. He has been suspended from NSW Police without pay.
White's long-term employment is under review and is subject to legal processes, Commissioner Webb told reporters after the verdict.
Justice Ian Harrison told the court he wanted to hear more evidence about the circumstances White could deal with if taken into custody.
Nowland is survived by eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. She is fondly remembered for her active lifestyle, including skydiving to celebrate her 80th birthday.
"The family would like to thank the judge and jury for carefully considering the matter and the DPP prosecution team for their hard work," said lawyer Sam Tierney in a statement.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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