A former Australian police officer, Kristian White, was sentenced on March 28, 2025, for the manslaughter of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who died after being tasered. The incident occurred at a nursing home in Cooma, New South Wales, where White used a stun gun on Nowland, who was holding a steak knife and had dementia. The court’s decision not to impose a prison term has disappointed Nowland’s family.
- Former officer sentenced for manslaughter.
- Community service instead of prison term.
- Victim was a 95-year-old nursing home resident.
- Judge deemed punishment proportionate to crime.
- Family expressed disappointment with the sentence.
- White offered apologies to the victim's family.
Kristian White, previously an officer with the New South Wales police, faced a maximum sentence of 25 years for the manslaughter of Clare Nowland. The incident took place on May 17, 2023, when nursing home staff called police due to Nowland wandering with a walker and a knife. White deployed his Taser shortly after arriving, resulting in Nowland falling and sustaining a fatal head injury.
During the sentencing, Justice Ian Harrison noted that Nowland posed no significant threat, describing her as a “frail and confused” elderly woman. The judge stated that the crime was at the lower end of seriousness for wrongful death cases, which influenced the decision against a prison sentence. Prosecutors had argued for a harsher punishment, but the judge disagreed.
White was dismissed from the police force in December 2023 following his conviction. In a letter to Nowland’s family, he expressed remorse, stating he took full responsibility for his actions and regretted the severe consequences. The victim’s son, Michael Nowland, voiced the family’s disappointment outside the court, describing the sentence as a “slap on the wrist” for the loss of their mother.
The sentencing of Kristian White has sparked significant reactions, particularly from Clare Nowland’s family, who feel justice was not served. The case raises important questions about accountability and the use of force by law enforcement, especially concerning vulnerable individuals.
