Former Australian Police Officer Sentenced for Manslaughter of 95-Year-Old, Avoids Jail

Kristian White, a former Australian police officer, was sentenced to 450 hours of community service and two years of supervised probation for the manslaughter of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who died after he used a stun gun on her. The incident occurred on May 17, 2023, when Nowland was found wandering in a nursing home with a steak knife. Justice Ian Harrison stated that White made a 'terrible mistake' but deemed a prison sentence disproportionate for the crime, which disappointed Nowland's family, who had hoped for a harsher punishment. White, who had faced a potential maximum of 25 years in prison, was fired from the police force in December 2023 and expressed regret for his actions. The case has raised significant concerns regarding police conduct, particularly in handling vulnerable individuals. Critics argue that the outcome underscores a need for accountability and appropriate responses in similar situations.