A tragic incident unfolded in a Cooma, Australia, nursing home on May 17th, when a 95-year-old woman, Clare Nowland, was fatally tasered by a police officer. The officer, Senior Constable Kristian White, is currently facing manslaughter charges in the NSW Supreme Court, with the prosecution alleging a breach of duty of care and an unlawful death caused by either criminal negligence or a dangerous act.
The sequence of events leading to the fatal confrontation has been laid bare in court. Mrs. Nowland, who suffered from undiagnosed dementia, was seen wandering the nursing home in the early morning hours, holding two knives. She entered several residents’ rooms, prompting concern and a call to emergency services.
When police and paramedics arrived, Mrs. Nowland was located in a nurses’ office, still holding a knife. Body camera footage shows officers and paramedics attempting to de-escalate the situation, repeatedly asking Mrs. Nowland to put down the knife. However, as she slowly moved towards the doorway using her walking frame, Constable White deployed his taser, striking Mrs. Nowland in the chest.
The elderly woman, who weighed less than 48 kilograms, fell to the floor and sustained serious injuries, including a significant brain bleed. She was rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries a week later.
Constable White, in his incident report, stated that he believed a “violent confrontation was imminent” and that he acted to “prevent injury to police.” However, paramedics present at the scene testified that they did not perceive any immediate danger from Mrs. Nowland.
The trial has raised questions about the use of force against vulnerable individuals, particularly those with dementia. Experts have been called to testify about the challenges of interacting with people with cognitive impairments and the importance of de-escalation techniques.
The case has sparked outrage and grief in the community, with many questioning the necessity of using a taser on a frail elderly woman. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for police training and protocols regarding the use of force in similar situations.
Constable White’s trial continues, with the jury tasked with determining whether his actions constituted criminal negligence or a dangerous act that led to Mrs. Nowland’s tragic death. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for sensitivity and specialized training when dealing with vulnerable individuals, particularly in situations where the use of force may be considered.
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