Former police officer Kristian White, who was sentenced to jail for tasering 95-year-old Clare Nowland, has launched an appeal against his conviction. The shocking incident, which occurred in a New South Wales aged care facility, left the elderly woman with fatal injuries.
Details of the Case
White, then a senior constable, deployed his Taser on Nowland—a great-grandmother suffering from dementia—after she approached him slowly with a steak knife. The frail woman fell, fractured her skull, and died in hospital weeks later.
Public Outrage
The case sparked nationwide condemnation, with many questioning police protocols for dealing with vulnerable individuals. White was convicted of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Grounds for Appeal
White's legal team argues the sentence was excessive given his clean record and the challenging circumstances officers face. Prosecutors maintain the use of force was unjustified against an elderly, confused woman.
The appeal hearing is set for later this month, with victim advocates warning a reduced sentence could undermine public trust in law enforcement.
