Dementia patient tasered by police officer dies in hospital

Clare Nowland has died surrounded by her family, days after being tasered by a NSW police officer in an aged care home.

Clare Nowland was allegedly tasered by police at an aged care home in Cooma. Picture: ABC News

The 95-year-old woman tasered by NSW police last week has passed away.

Clare Nowland died surrounded by family members on Wednesday night in Cooma, NSW police said in a statement.

“It is with great sadness we confirm the passing of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in Cooma tonight,” it read.

“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.”

The officer accused of tasering Ms Nowland has been issued a field court attendance notice for three alleged offences.

Senior Constable Kristian White, attached to Cooma police station, has been issued a field court attendance notice for the alleged offences of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

NSW Police Force officer Kristian White. Picture: Facebook

The 33-year-old allegedly tasered 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who had dementia, after she was found by staff at her Cooma aged care facility holding a knife.

After failing to drop the knife Ms Nowland was allegedly tasered by the officer, who has more than a decade of experience.

On Wednesday evening NSW police commissioner Karen Webb said Mr White’s employment would “continue to be reviewed” and that he currently remains suspended from duty with pay.

She also said his charges could be upgraded at a later date depending “on what happens” and was “concerned” about what the body worn vision could reveal if or when it would be released to the public.

Ms Webb said Ms Nowland’s family had been informed of the update.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms Nowland and her family this evening,” she said.

“I’d also like to thank the detectives who worked around the clock on this to get to this point within seven days of that nasty incident involving Ms Nowland and the serious charges now before the court.”

“The decision about commencing legal proceedings is based on all the evidence and all the material, including statements from witnesses, experts and footage and anything else that’s gone into the brief of evidence, it will form part of the brief of evidence,” Ms Webb said.

Mr White will face Cooma Local Court on July 5.