Sep 28, 2023

Clare Nowland’s family to sue NSW State for liability

Screenshot 2023-09-28 151021
Those involved in the case have remained tight-lipped about the proceedings. [Source: PR Image]

The family of Clare Nowland will enter private negotiations with the New South Wales State Government over a civil case alleging the State was liable for the actions of the NSW police when they tasered the 95-year-old.

Legal processes began in Ms Nowland’s name five days before she died in hospital but since her death, her family has pursued the case with Ms Nowland listed as the plaintiff.

The case was first heard in a Bega court in July and is still in its preliminary stages, but parties will now enter into mediation. 

Police were called to Cooma’s Yallambee Lodge aged care facility where Ms Nowland – who was experiencing symptoms of dementia – was brandishing a knife at staff and fellow residents. Senior Constable Kristian White attended the scene and allegedly said “nah, bugger it” before deploying his Taser. Ms Nowland fell to the floor and hit her head on the way down before being taken a local hospital where she died a week later. 

A police expert in operational safety and training reviewed the CCTV and body-worn camera footage of the incident and said, in his opinion, the discharge of the Taser did not meet the threshold for the weapon’s use.

Earlier this month, Senior Constable White, who has been suspended from his policing role with pay, was forced to face court on the orders of the Supreme Court Judge. He faces charges including recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault causing actual bodily harm, and common assault. The court was adjourned until October 4.

So far, no one has agreed to comment on the case and media requests for court documents have been rejected.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

21 aged care residents to be moved from Northern Territory hospitals due to bed shortage

An aged care home is set to take in 21 patients from Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional hospitals, due to continued hospital bed shortages. Read More

Tasmanian pensioner avoids jail for supplying cannabis to those in pain

Senior who started growing cannabis after seeing the positive impact it had on his sick wife avoids jail, as the court recognises his compassionate motives. Read More

Are COVID-19 and flu vaccinations mandatory for aged care workers and visitors?

As winter closes in, concerns regarding the impact of COVID-19 in aged care facilities have ramped up. But with the general public enjoying far more freedom, are there rules in place for friends and family when visiting aged care? Read More
Advertisement