More than two years have passed since Clare Nowland was tasered at Yallambee Lodge nursing home in Cooma, southern NSW, an incident that has left her family seeking justice. Clare’s children remained silent, hoping for a fair outcome, until the recent decision that saw former NSW police officer Kristian White avoid prison time for the manslaughter of their 95-year-old mother. The family expressed their devastation over the verdict, with Clare’s son, Michael Nowland, firmly believing that White should serve time in prison for what he described as a “deliberate, inhumane act.”
Michael detailed how White had complete control of the Taser, loading and discharging it deliberately. Clare’s daughter, Lesley Lloyd, reflected on the painful reality of losing their mother in such a manner, stating that although she acknowledged Clare could have died due to her age, the nature of her death was entirely unacceptable. Lesley revealed that for the past two years, the incident has weighed heavily on her, impacting her emotional wellbeing.
In the early hours of May 2023, Clare, who suffered from dementia and relied on a walking frame, was found wandering the nursing home with a knife. White negotiated with her for under three minutes before deploying the Taser. Clare’s children believe their mother posed no threat to anyone and described her as likely terrified during the encounter. Lesley recounted receiving a call from the nursing home just prior to the incident, assuring her that the situation was under control, leaving her unprepared for the tragic outcome.
Following the incident, White was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order and mandated to complete 425 hours of community service. The Nowland family continues to grapple with their loss and the perceived lack of justice for their mother, who they feel deserved a far more dignified end.