"She did not die with dignity": Clare Nowland's family share emotional statements
The distraught family of Clare Nowland, who was fatally tasered by a police officer in 2023, have broken down as they shared the devastating impact her death has had on them.
In November last year, Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White, 34, was found guilty of manslaughter after he discharged his stun gun at the 95-year-old grandmother in a treatment room at Yallambee Lodge aged-care home in the southern NSW town of Cooma during the early hours of May 17th 2023.
After remaining suspended with pay throughout the trial, White was removed from the NSW Police Force days after the verdict was handed down, and is challenging the decision.
White faced the NSW Supreme Court on Friday for a sentencing hearing ahead of the determination of his fate and the future of his career.
Ms Nowland’s eldest son Michael Nowland shared a heartbreaking victim impact statement stating he is still in a state of disbelief following his mother’s tragic death.
“When I was told mum had been tasered by a police officer… I went into a state of shock and asked the question ‘who in their right mind could do this to a frail 95-year-old lady?” he said.
“No one in the (hospital) room could answer this question.How could a human being, let alone a police officer, perform such an inappropriate and inhumane act on a frail old lady who weighed just 45kg?”
Mr Nowland said the more he learned about the incident the more “confused” he felt, as he said, “I will never forgive this officer for tasering and killing my mum."
“Mum did not deserve to have her life end in this manner... she was a caring and dignified lady, but she did not die with dignity.”
Clare Nowland’s daughter Jennifer Nowland said her mother’s death has had a devastating impact on their entire family, including her young grandkids.
She said, “Her three-year-old granddaughter is asking why nanna Clare’s face is on the TV, and if nanna Clare will still get Christmas presents now that she if dead.”
Clare’s other daughter Gemma Murphy glared over at White as she called out his “grotesque” actions and called for justice for all vulnerable Australians.
“I struggle to find solace in a world that feels so unjust…but I seek justice not revenge for mum,” she said.
“She was so much more than just the grandmother that was tasered, she lived her life with purpose and dedication."
“I implore you to reflect on the true cost of this tragedy, my mother’s death should serve as a catalyst for change. We must do better for those who cannot protect themselves."
Image credits: 9News