Woman, 95, who was tasered by police officer in care home has died
Clare Nowland, the 95-year-old woman who was tasered by a police officer in a care home, has sadly died, police have confirmed.
Nowland, who had dementia, fractured her skull in a fall on Wednesday last week after Constable Kristian White shot her with a stun gun in her retirement home in New South Wales, Australia.
New South Wales Police have confirmed Nowland has now died in hospital, having been 'surrounded by family and loved ones'.
A statement said: "It is with great sadness we confirm the passing of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in Cooma tonight (Wednesday 24 May 2023).
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"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.
"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."
Police were then called to Yallambee Lodge care home after Nowland was found by staff holding a knife.
After attempting to disarm her, Nowland was subsequently tasered and suffered a fractured skull.
One of the officers involved in the incident has been charged with grievous bodily harm.
Speaking during a press conference, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said: "Within the last hour, New South Wales Police have commenced legal action against a 33-year-old senior constable from Monaro Police District for the offences of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault.
"He will appear at the Cooma local court on Wednesday (5 July) this year.
"This matter now is before the court - there's little more that I can say about it, other than to say that the Nowland family have been informed of this development and our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Nowland and her family this evening.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the detectives that have worked around the clock on this to get to this point within seven days of that accident... a nasty incident involving Mrs Nowland and the serious charges are now before the court."
The entire incident was recorded on the police officers' bodycam, which has been used as evidence as part of the investigation.
Commissioner Webb previously said that she wouldn't watch the footage back before all of the statements and other evidence are reviewed.
Speaking to Sydney’s Radio 2GB on Monday, Webb said: “It may be the case in the future where I have to make a determination based on a brief of evidence, without being tainted by having seen a part of the brief without context.
“It’s important that we follow a process. I will make my determination impartially.”
Jess Hardiman