Family of taser victim Clare Nowland, 95, speak out after ex-cop Kristian White, 34, avoids jail

The Director of Public Prosecution plans to appeal the sentencing of a cop who avoided jail after fatally tasering a 95-year-old great-grandmother inside a nursing home.

The family of Clare Nowland, who was fatally tasered more than two years ago, has spoken out after a former NSW Police officer escaped jail over her manslaughter, as an appeal of his sentence is prepared.

Kristian White had been called to Yallambee Lodge nursing home in Cooma on May 17, 2023 to assist with Mrs Nowland, 95, whom a nurse described as a “very aggressive” resident holding two knives.

The great-grandmother was holding a single knife and penlight when White found her sitting in an office after 5am.

Mrs Nowland was tasered after White repeatedly told her to drop the blade during a two-minute confrontation, and died in hospital days later.

The DPP reportedly plans to appeal former cop Kristian White’s sentencing. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Clare Nowland, 95, was fatally tasered inside a nursing home in 2023. Picture: Supplied

The now 34-year-old former cop was found guilty of Mrs Nowland’s manslaughter by a jury in November, a crime which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment in NSW.

However, White was last week handed a two year community corrections order instead, facing 425 hours of community service.

The Director of Public Prosecution confirmed on Wednesday it would appeal Kristian White’s sentence, Nine reported.

Mrs Nowland’s children told the broadcaster they were devastated over White’s sentencing.

Clare Nowland’s children told Nine they were devastated by their mother’s death and wanted justice. Picture: 9News

“For a deliberate, inhumane act that he did, absolutely,” Michael told Nine when asked if they believed White should be in jail.

“He had control of that weapon, he loaded the weapon, he pointed the weapon and discharged the weapon.”

Daughter Lesley Lloyd told Nine while the family could accept if their mother had died of old age, the circumstances of Mrs Nowland’s death were “unacceptable”.

“It’s just been a weight on me for the last two years,” she said.

“I just can’t be myself, I don’t think, it’s just awful.”

Originally published as Family of taser victim Clare Nowland, 95, speak out after ex-cop Kristian White, 34, avoids jail