Sep 28, 2023

Clare Nowland’s family to sue NSW State for liability

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Your email address will not be published.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

Aged care facility isolated by floods receives recognition

Baptcare's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has visited one of its regional aged care facilities to thank staff and volunteers and meet residents after it was completely surrounded by flood water last month. Read More

Budget round-up: New incentives for health and aged care

The Federal Government’s second Budget was announced last night by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and contains some expected and some unexpected changes for Australia’s health and aged care industry. Read More

Melbourne man arrested for murder of 78-year-old mother

The “very friendly, very personable and a very caring person” was found dead in her home after worried neighbours raised concern. Now the woman’s 53-year-old son remains in custody in connection to the crime. Read More
Advertisement
Exit mobile version