Ex-Police Officer Faces Sentencing for Manslaughter of 95-Year-Old Clare Nowland

Kristian White, found guilty of Tasering Clare Nowland in 2023, could face jail time as sentencing hearing begins in NSW Supreme Court.

Kristian White, a former New South Wales police officer, was found guilty of manslaughter in November 2024 for Tasering Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old dementia patient, in May 2023.
The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged-care home after Nowland, holding a steak knife, failed to comply with police requests; White deployed his Taser, causing her to fall and suffer a fatal brain injury.
During the trial, prosecutors argued White breached his duty of care and acted negligently, while his defense claimed a custodial sentence should not be inevitable.
The court is hearing victim impact statements, including from Nowland's family, who expressed shock and grief over her death and criticized the manner in which her life ended.
White, who was dismissed from the police force after his conviction, awaits a decision on whether he will serve jail time; the manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.