An Australian police officer was charged with manslaughter on Nov 29, after allegedly tasering a 95-year-old great-grandmother, who later died in hospital. The incident involved Clare Nowland, a dementia patient who passed away in May following a nursing home confrontation with the police that sent shockwaves across Australia and made international headlines.
According to reports, Nowland was shot with an electric stun gun as she slowly approached the officer with the assistance of her walking frame. The police claimed that she was wielding a steak knife in one of her hands. The 33-year-old senior constable had been summoned to the nursing home after Nowland became agitated in the early hours of the morning. Allegedly, the officer warned her to stop before uttering the words nah bugger it and discharging the taser.
At the time of the incident, Nowland reportedly weighed only 43kg and was described as frail by the police. Initially, police had charged the officer with various counts of assault. However, on Nov 29, following discussions with prosecutors, the more serious charge of manslaughter was added.
The confrontation unfolded when staff members at Yallambee Lodge nursing home in southern New South Wales called the police, informing them that a woman was armed with a knife. Unfortunately, Nowland suffered a fractured skull from falling to the ground during the incident. She passed away in the hospital one week later. Nowland, who leaves behind 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, was a beloved member of her community.
The tragic incident has raised concerns and highlighted the need for better training and awareness when dealing with dementia patients and vulnerable individuals in nursing homes. The case has sparked a national conversation about the treatment of the elderly and those with cognitive impairments, promoting calls for improved protocols and compassionate care.
The manslaughter charge against the police officer serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need to ensure that those entrusted with protecting the public are held responsible for their actions. The case will now move forward within the Australian legal system, as the nation awaits justice for Clare Nowland.
