Family of 95-year-old woman involved in tragic taser incident settles civil case
By
VanessaC
- Replies 8
It is an unfortunate reality that sometimes, those we trust to protect us may cause harm instead—either through choice or negligence.
Case in point: Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old woman who was allegedly tasered by a police officer in an aged care home.
The Nowland family has settled their civil case with the New South Wales government on confidential terms after a distressing ordeal that began with a police confrontation and ended with Nowland’s death.
Nowland's encounter with Senior Constable Kristian White in the early hours of 17 May 2023, at an aged care facility in Cooma, NSW, has sparked conversations about the use of force and the treatment of the elderly, particularly those living with dementia.
Weighing just 43kg and reliant on a walking frame, Clare was holding a steak knife when she was confronted by the officer and subsequently tasered, leading to critical injuries, including a fractured skull.
After a week-long battle in the hospital, Clare succumbed to her injuries.
The family's pursuit of justice did not end with Clare's passing.
They continued their legal battle, seeking accountability for the actions that led to such a devastating outcome.
However, their lawyer, Sam Tierney, recently announced the discontinuation of the district court proceedings against the state, saying, 'The estate and Nowland family will not be making any further comments at this time in view of the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Kristian White.'
Senior Constable White is set to face trial in the NSW Supreme Court for the criminal charges filed against him, with his solicitor indicating that he would plead not guilty to manslaughter.
In similar news, an unannounced assessment conducted by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission at the facility on June 5 revealed shocking details about Yallambee Lodge, the aged care facility where Clare Nowland stayed.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission reported that the Yallambee Lodge’s risk management systems and practices were non-compliant.
It was also revealed that a ‘separate incident’ had occurred the same month Ms Nowland had been tasered, which was what sparked the performance audit.
You can read more about this here.
What are your thoughts on this latest update? Let us know in the comments below.
Case in point: Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old woman who was allegedly tasered by a police officer in an aged care home.
The Nowland family has settled their civil case with the New South Wales government on confidential terms after a distressing ordeal that began with a police confrontation and ended with Nowland’s death.
Nowland's encounter with Senior Constable Kristian White in the early hours of 17 May 2023, at an aged care facility in Cooma, NSW, has sparked conversations about the use of force and the treatment of the elderly, particularly those living with dementia.
Weighing just 43kg and reliant on a walking frame, Clare was holding a steak knife when she was confronted by the officer and subsequently tasered, leading to critical injuries, including a fractured skull.
After a week-long battle in the hospital, Clare succumbed to her injuries.
The family's pursuit of justice did not end with Clare's passing.
They continued their legal battle, seeking accountability for the actions that led to such a devastating outcome.
However, their lawyer, Sam Tierney, recently announced the discontinuation of the district court proceedings against the state, saying, 'The estate and Nowland family will not be making any further comments at this time in view of the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Kristian White.'
Senior Constable White is set to face trial in the NSW Supreme Court for the criminal charges filed against him, with his solicitor indicating that he would plead not guilty to manslaughter.
In similar news, an unannounced assessment conducted by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission at the facility on June 5 revealed shocking details about Yallambee Lodge, the aged care facility where Clare Nowland stayed.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission reported that the Yallambee Lodge’s risk management systems and practices were non-compliant.
It was also revealed that a ‘separate incident’ had occurred the same month Ms Nowland had been tasered, which was what sparked the performance audit.
You can read more about this here.
Key Takeaways
- The family of Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old woman who died after being Tasered by a police officer, has settled their civil case with the NSW government.
- The settlement terms are confidential and the family's lawyer announced the discontinuation of the court proceedings.
- The police officer involved, Kristian White, is to face trial for manslaughter in the NSW Supreme Court and intends to plead not guilty.
- Clare Nowland, who had dementia, suffered critical injuries including a fractured skull after being Tasered by the officer in an aged care home.