Grandmother, 95, dies after being tasered by police at nursing home
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A 95-year-old woman has died after she was tasered by police at an Australian care home.
Prior to her death, Clare Nowland had been suffering from dementia when the incident happened at Yallambee Lodge, in New South Wales.
It was there that the elderly woman was tasered after approaching police with a knife, collapsing moments later.
Though it is unclear what caused Mrs Nowland to approach Senior Constable Kristian White, the elderly woman is said to have come towards the police officer 'slowly' with a steak knife.
Shortly after this, Mrs Nowland was struck with the taser, during which she collapsed and knocked her head.
Her death was later confirmed at 9pm on Wednesday, with the senior citizen passing away at Cooma Hospital with her family in attendance.
The officer, White, who attended the incident has now been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
He has been suspended from duty by New South Wales police with pay - according to The Daily Mail.
In a press conference about the incident, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said that it was 'now before the court' and that she would not release footage of the incident.
She told local press: "This matter now is before the court and there's little more that I can say about it other than to say that the Nowland family have been informed of this development."
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Commissioner Webb also went on to give her condolences to Nowland's family, adding: "'thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Nowland and her family this evening."
She also confirmed that White had been suspended, saying: "...his employment will continue to be reviewed, but at the moment, he is still suspended from the workplace."
Investigations are now ongoing with White expected to appear at Cooma Local Court on July 5.
New South Wales Police have also released a statement confirming Nowland's death.
It read: "It is with great sadness we confirm the passing of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in Cooma tonight (Wednesday 24 May 2023)."
It continued: "Mrs Nowland passed away peacefully in hospital just after 7pm this evening, surrounded by family and loved ones who have requested privacy during this sad and difficult time.
"Our thoughts and condolences remain with those who were lucky enough to know, love, and be loved by Mrs Nowland during a life she led hallmarked by family, kindness and community."
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