A former police officer in New South Wales has been sentenced for the fatal shooting of a 95-year-old woman. Justice Ian Harrison delivered the verdict on Friday in the NSW Supreme Court, describing the actions of former officer White as a "terrible mistake."
The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge in Cooma, near Canberra, on May 17, 2023. White was called to the care home early in the morning after staff reported that Clare Nowland was wandering with two steak knives. Body camera footage revealed that White aimed his weapon at Mrs. Nowland, who was frail and confused, and told her to drop the knives. Just moments later, he fired his weapon, causing her to fall and suffer a fatal brain injury.
During the trial, White’s defense highlighted that both a paramedic and his police partner felt threatened by Mrs. Nowland’s actions. However, prosecutors argued that given her age, weight of less than 48 kilograms, and use of a walker, she posed no real threat. They criticized White for his quick decision to use deadly force just three minutes after confronting her.
Mrs. Nowland’s family expressed their devastation during the sentencing hearing, with her son, Michael Nowland, calling White’s actions "unfathomable" and "inhumane." He shared his ongoing trauma from the incident, stating, "To this day I am traumatized by this gutless coward act."
In his testimony, White expressed regret, claiming he did not believe Mrs. Nowland would be seriously injured and that he was "devastated" by her death. He later wrote a letter of apology to her family, acknowledging the severe consequences of his actions.
Justice Harrison determined that a prison sentence was unnecessary, noting that White had already lost his job and faced significant community backlash. He sentenced White to a two-year community corrections order and mandated 425 hours of community service.
Outside the court, Michael Nowland expressed disappointment with the sentence, describing it as a "slap on the wrist" for someone who had taken his mother’s life. He emphasized that all they sought was justice and fairness.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the use of force by NSW Police. Commissioner Karen Webb called Mrs. Nowland’s death a "terrible tragedy" that should not have occurred, though she maintained that the police’s Taser and training policies were appropriate. White had served with the NSW Police for 12 years before his removal following the conviction.