The 95-year-old woman who was tasered by police at an Australian care home has died. Clare Nowland was in critical condition in hospital since the incident on May 17. The confrontation at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility shocked Australians and made international headlines.
News of her death followed just as the police officer who allegedly tasered her was charged with three offences. The officer has since been suspended from duty, and will face the court in July.
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Officer in court
33-year-old Senior Constable, Kristian White, is set to appear in court for the following offences: common assault, recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Australian police commissioner Karen Webb says Clare’s family was informed of the charges and thanked the detectives for their speedy work following the “nasty incident”.
New South Wales state police confirmed Clare’s death in a statement. “It is with great sadness we confirm the passing of 95-year-old Clare Nowland,” it read. They said that she died “peacefully” in the hospital surrounded by loved one.
The statement also shared condolences from the police: “(their 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”.
Trust in ‘their police force’
Last week, Australian police reported that they found Clare ‘armed’ with a steak knife. They confirmed that the officer tasered her after she began approaching at a “slow pace”. She needed a walking frame to walk.
The officers who responded say they urged the elderly woman to drop the knife before she moved towards them. Clare sustained critical injuries including a fractured skull.
Webb has since refused to answer calls to release bodycam footage of the incident. She assures she will not view it until investigators conclude gathering evidence. The confrontation has also sparked calls for a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry.
