Suspended police officer charged with manslaughter over the death of Clare Nowland

Kristian White faces four charges over the death of Clare Nowland in May. Photo: Gail Eastaway.

Manslaughter charges have been laid against a NSW Police senior constable six months after he allegedly tasered Clare Nowland in a Cooma nursing home.

Kristian White, 33, had previously been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault over the incident which occurred in May.

The great grandmother had allegedly been carrying two kitchen knives at the Yallambee Lodge in the early hours of 17 May 2023, and had also allegedly thrown one of them.

After she refused to hand them to a nurse, police were called.

Once officers arrived, it’s alleged Snr Const White discharged his taser, which caused Mrs Nowland to fall, fracturing her skull.

She died on 24 May.

NSW Police said the additional charge had been laid following advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“This legal process was served on the officer’s legal representative this morning,” a statement read.

“This upgraded charge follows the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in May 2023 after she was tasered in a Cooma nursing home.”

Snr Const White remains suspended from duty with pay, and is next scheduled to front Cooma Local Court on 6 December for a mention.