Jury to decide fate of cop who used taser on 95-year-old.

In a small town in southern New South Wales, a 95-year-old woman with dementia met her tragic fate at the hands of a senior constable. The officer, Kristian White, had used his stun gun on Clare Nowland, a great-grandmother, during a confrontation in a treatment room at the Yallambee Lodge aged-care home.

In court, it was revealed that White had uttered the words "nah, bugger it" before firing his stun gun at Nowland, who was holding a steak knife at the time. The impact of the taser caused her to fall backwards and hit her head, leading to her death in the hospital a week later. Now, White's future rests in the decision of 12 jurors who will determine whether he is guilty of manslaughter.

As the NSW Supreme Court trial comes to a close, Justice Ian Harrison will give his final remarks to the jury before they deliberate on their verdict. The prosecution argues that White's actions were either criminally negligent or an unlawful and dangerous act that resulted in Nowland's death. In a strong statement, prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC denounced White's actions as "utterly unnecessary and obviously dangerous" and urged the jury to hold him accountable with a guilty verdict.

On the other hand, White's defense team argues that his response to the perceived threat posed by Nowland was proportionate. In a heated exchange, barrister Troy Edwards SC disputed the prosecution's claim that Nowland only posed a limited threat. He pointed out that those present at the scene did not view the situation as such and that it was White's duty to disarm Nowland. Walking away was not an option for the officer in that moment.

As the jury deliberates, the fate of both White and Nowland's family hangs in the balance. The tragic incident has left a community in mourning and has sparked a nationwide conversation about the use of force by law enforcement. The 9NEWS app will continue to provide updates on this case and other breaking news, so stay informed and download the app today.

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