NSW Officer Guilty of Manslaughter for Nursing Home Death

Senior Constable Kristian White was found guilty of manslaughter for the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who was tasered in a New South Wales nursing home. White discharged his Taser at Nowland, who displayed dementia symptoms and was holding a knife, resulting in her falling and sustaining fatal injuries. The jury concluded that White's actions were criminally negligent and constituted an excessive use of force, given Nowland's frailty and lack of mobility. The prosecution argued that the Taser use was unnecessary and breached White's duty of care, while the defense claimed it was a reasonable response to the threat posed. The jury deliberated for several days, ultimately rejecting the defense's arguments. White will face sentencing later this year.