He walked freely on a two-year community amendment order.
A former police officer who fatally tasselled a 95-year-old woman in an aging care facility avoided prison despite tragic consequences.
Former senior Christian James Samuel White walked freely from the NSW Supreme Court on March 28th, subject to strict conditions.
White received a two-year community amendment order, and had to carry out 425 hours of community service and maintain good behavior.
The incident occurred early on May 17, 2023 at Yarmbie Lodge Aging Care Home in Cooma, southern New South Wales.
Police were called after Claire Nowland, a great grandmother with dementia, was seen holding a knife while using the walking frame. Despite staff efforts to disarm her, Nowland did not comply.
The 35-year-old officer fired Taser into Nowland’s chest, saying, “No, I’ll steal it.” The elderly woman collapsed, smashed her head and suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage. She passed away in the hospital a week later.
Judge calls Taser a “bad mistake”
In his sentence, Judge Ian Harrison described White’s actions as “a terrible mistake,” but placed the crime at the bottom of the seriousness of the manslaughter case.
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He said White misunderstood the situation and acted illegally by deploying a stun gun within minutes of his arrival.
“The frail and confused 95-year-old woman actually raised nothing that could reasonably explain the threat of any substance,” Judge Harrison said.
He also acknowledged the sadness and frustration of the Nowland family, adding that the situation could have been handled much better.
However, the judge noted that White was responding as a police officer legally called to manage the situation. “He wouldn’t have chosen to do anything,” Judge Harrison said.
Family Reactions and Legal Consequences
Outside the court, Nowland’s eldest son Michael expressed his disappointment, calling the sentence a “wrist slap,” saying it would be difficult for the family to handle.
White’s lawyer, Warwick Anderson, told reporters that the former officer and his family are relieved by the outcome and will move forward.
Since the incident, White has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and PTSD and leaves Cooma due to hostility from the community.
White was removed from police after being convicted, but is seeking a review of the decision.
In a letter to Nowland’s family, he apologised, “I take full responsibility for my actions. I feel what happened and I still feel frightened.”
He added: “I understand that you are suffering a lot.”
AAP contributed to this article
