TASERING LEADS TO EXCRUCIATING DEATH: POLICE OFFICER TO BE CHARGED: – by Joe Van Langenberg
The indiscriminate tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland by police, at the Council-run Yallambee Lodge in Cooma New South Wales, has not only scarred the nation’s psyche, but also saddened and enraged all those valuing the importance and sanctity of human life.
Ms Nowland sadly passed away yesterday around 7pm, despite attempts to resuscitate her. She breathed her last after clinging to life. The injuries sustained as a result of a fractured skull and bleeding from her brain, were intense.
Once again as many times before, nursing homes and the long arm of the law, have come under the murky and unenviable spotlight.
Ms Nowland who had been living with her daughter for many decades, but later moved into the aged care facility under reference, due to mobility constraints; had a remarkable zest for living; celebrating her 80th birthday 15 years ago with a sky-dive; a feat she rated as one that warmed the cockles of her heart.
She was additionally a member of the Cooma Golf Club, a pillar of the Church; much-revered and loved by the tightly knit community.
Police was summoned by the nursing home authorities around 4.15 am on Wednesday morning last week, when they found Ms Nowland seemingly disoriented, clutching what police said, appeared to have resembled a steak knife, but could have been otherwise.
Nursing homes are expected to have in their employ qualified staff professionally trained to handle eventualities of varying intensity.
And that includes expert medical practitioners, psychological counsellors and anyone in between, who could be helpful to the mental, physical and emotional well-being of residents.
Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson introduced a notice of motion to the New South Wales Parliament calling on the police body cam to be released publicly.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was right for the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) to oversee the investigation into the incident which he has labelled “troubling”.
Notwithstanding Police Minister Yasmin Catley opining that the investigation is being run by some of the best detectives, political analysts and advocates for the elderly, remain sceptical that this wouldn’t be the final outcome.
Clare Nowland was a five foot two inch frail lady, said to have been weighing just 43 kgs. As such, the combined claim of the nursing home and the police officer’s, that she had posed a potential threat to the others present, was preposterous and wholly unacceptable.
The totally unnecessary and incompetent manner in which the police officer, (who has 12 years experience under his belt) used the taser on someone who was, according to reliable sources confused, is a damning indictment on his so-called professionalism and values.
He has now been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and common assault. But no mention has been made of upgrading the above to that of manslaughter.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb has, by calling the tasering of the mother of eight, grand-mother of 24 and great-grand children of 31; with four more on the way, an “interaction” with police, has tacitly defended her own. Which then begs the question ” Has she acted within the framework of impartiality?
What has left a sour taste in the mouth, is the fact that the Police Commissioner refused to watch a video of Ms Nowland being tasered.
And that in turn, leaves much to be desired.
Parish Priest Mark Croker who admired Clare Nowland for her integrity and loyalty and who was by her hospital bedside, said that she was “comfortable and remained in a deep sleep”.
This isn’t the first time police officers in New South Wales have resorted to heavy handed tactics. Back in 2020, six police officers handcuffed a nursing home resident Rachel Grahame, for having taken a staff member’s lanyard; something innocuous that didn’t warrant such a strong and harsh reaction.
He has been ordered to front Court on July 05.
The family of Clare Nowland remains understandably distraught and devastated.
The children, grandchildren and great grand children, have lost their tower of strength, beacon of hope and source of inspiration.
Our heartfelt condolences to all, impacted by this senseless and preventable tragedy.
May Clare Nowland rest with the angels. RIP
