Kristian White, found guilty of manslaughter for using a Taser on a disoriented 95-year-old, was sentenced to community service rather than prison, igniting widespread criticism. The incident raises urgent questions about police training and the appropriateness of force.
Outcry Follows Court Ruling on Officer's Use of Taser Against 95-Year-Old
Outcry Follows Court Ruling on Officer's Use of Taser Against 95-Year-Old
A former police officer avoids prison after making a fatal error in judgment, sparking public outrage and debates over police conduct in Australia.
In a controversial ruling that has ignited public outrage, former police officer Kristian White has been spared jail time after his decision to Taser a 95-year-old woman, Clare Nowland, led to her fatal injuries. The incident occurred in May 2023 at Yallambee Lodge, an aged care facility in Cooma, New South Wales, where White was called to handle an allegedly "violent confrontation."
During the court proceedings, evidence highlighted that Mrs. Nowland, who suffered from dementia and was holding two kitchen knives, posed little to no threat due to her frailty. Justice Ian Harrison described White's actions as a "terrible mistake," emphasizing that Mrs. Nowland was merely a "confused" elderly woman and stated that White had misread the dynamics of the situation.
Despite being found guilty of manslaughter by a jury in November, the judge concluded that a prison sentence was unwarranted. He noted that White had already lost his career and faced community ostracism. Instead, White received a community corrections order of two years and was mandated to complete 425 hours of community service.
The case sparked widespread condemnation, with Mrs. Nowland's family expressing feelings of trauma and loss over the incident. They described White's actions as "unfathomable" and deeply lamented the impact on their family life. In his defense, White had expressed that he did not anticipate Mrs. Nowland suffering severe injury from his actions and expressed profound regret through a letter of apology.
The incident raises critical questions about police training and the use of Taser devices, prompting a broader examination of force policies within the New South Wales Police. Commissioner Karen Webb labeled the incident as a "terrible tragedy" and stated that reforms may need to be considered to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
