Home / Crime and Justice / Elderly Dementia Patient Tasered to Death: Inquest Begins
Elderly Dementia Patient Tasered to Death: Inquest Begins
13 May
Summary
- Inquest to examine dementia training for aged care and first responders.
- 95-year-old dementia patient died after being Tasered in May 2023.
- Former officer found guilty of manslaughter in March 2025.
An inquest has commenced to scrutinize the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who died in May 2023 after being Tasered by police at a Cooma nursing home. The incident occurred when Nowland, who exhibited dementia symptoms, approached officers with steak knives. She fell and sustained a fatal head injury after being Tasered.
The state coroner is examining systemic issues concerning dementia care and the training provided to aged care staff, police, and ambulance officers. This investigation is particularly timely given Australia's aging population and the projected doubling of dementia cases within two decades.
Counsellors assisting the inquest suggested that the situation did not warrant the use of a Taser. At the time of the incident, neither NSW police nor ambulance officers received specific training for responding to dementia patients.
Following the incident, the former senior constable involved was found guilty of manslaughter in November 2024 and received a two-year good behaviour bond in March 2025. He has since been removed from the force.
