A 95-year-old grandmother has died after being tasered at a nursing home, with a police officer facing three criminal charges over the incident.
Clare Nowland was using a walking frame when she was allegedly tasered by Senior Constable Kristian White at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma a week ago, after failing to drop a steak knife.
The dementia patient, who weighed just 43kg, received end-of-life care after sustaining critical injuries, including a fractured skull.
She died in hospital on Wednesday.
“Mrs Nowland passed away peacefully in hospital just after 7pm this evening, surrounded by family and loved ones who have requested privacy during this sad and difficult time,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and condolences remain with those who were lucky enough to know, love, and be loved by Mrs Nowland during a life she led hallmarked by family, kindness and community.”
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley also issued a statement on behalf of the state government.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Nowland family for the loss of their dearly loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother,” Ms Catley said.
“Our sympathies and thoughts are also extended to the community of Cooma, Mrs Nowland’s friends, as well as the residents and carers at Cooma Yallambee Lodge.
“We will continue to offer support to the Nowland family as they mourn this loss and we urge people to respect their privacy at this time.”
White, 33, will face court on three charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
The most serious of the charges, recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
When asked at a press conference on Wednesday night if the charges might be upgraded, Police Commissioner Karen Webb said that was possible.
She described the tasering as “a nasty incident” but maintained the investigation had been carried out properly and without being prejudiced.
“I am confident that this matter is before the court without interference,” Ms Webb said.
She defended the decision to suspend White with pay, saying people were innocent until proven guilty.
“He’s afforded the same opportunity as any other resident and his employment will continue to be reviewed, but at the moment he’s still suspended from the workplace,” she said.
Ms Webb has been under pressure over her handling of the incident after saying she would not watch the video until all the evidence for the investigation was gathered.
Earlier in state parliament, senior Liberal MP Damien Tudehope called on the government to release vision captured on the two attending officers’ body cameras, saying Mrs Nowland’s treatment was of grave concern.
The motion passed, however references to body-worn vision were removed, making the result largely symbolic.
The government opposed the motion, with Treasurer Daniel Mookhey later saying “no one should be politicising what has proven to be very difficult circumstances for all involved”.
White is due to appear at Cooma Local Court on July 5.
© AAP 2023
