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NSW government faces legal action after alleged tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland

Nathan SchmidtNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: Channel 7

The NSW government is facing legal action over the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland after she was allegedly tasered by police at an aged care home.

The civil lawsuit brought against the state of NSW was heard in Bega District Court on July 11 for a pre-trial conference.

The case will return before the same court on August 22 after it was adjourned by the Bega Court registry.

The case, made in Ms Nowland’s name, is believed to be have been taken out by her family, The Guardian reported Tuesday.

Clare Nowland was allegedly tasered by police at an aged care home. Supplied
Camera IconClare Nowland was allegedly tasered by police at an aged care home. Supplied Credit: Channel 7

The Guardian reported the proceedings were against the state over the alleged actions taken by police.

It is understood the legal motion was initially filled before Ms Nowland’s death in a Cooma hospital onMay 24.

Her family will continue the case against the NSW government following her death, the Guardian reported.

The suit comes as the man alleged to have tasered Ms Nowland, Senior Constable Kristian White, fronts court on charges of causing bodily harm.

TASER COP COOMA COURT
Camera IconPolice attended Yallambee Lodge in Cooma on May 17. NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: NCA NewsWire

Ms Nowland was allegedly tasered by the officer in a Cooma aged care home before falling and fracturing her skull.

Police allege Ms Nowland was using her walking frame to slowly approach the officers with the knife in her hand.

After Ms Nowland allegedly ignored repeated requests for her to drop the knife, Constable White allegedly discharged his weapon.

The footage of the tragic incident captured on a bodyworn camera has been described as “confronting”.

Senior Constable Kristian White is facing three charges. 9 NEWS
Camera IconSenior Constable Kristian White is facing three charges. 9 NEWS Credit: Channel 9

Constable White has been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault.

He remains in the community and appeared before Cooma Local Court on July 5 via AVL.

He will reappear before the same court in September.

Originally published as NSW government faces legal action after alleged tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland

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