Coronial Inquest into Clare Nowland's death in aged care home begins
Coronial inquest examines Clare Nowland death
- Inquest begins: Coronial inquiry has commenced in NSW
- Dementia training: Inquiry will review staff and responder training
- Taser response: Witnesses questioned the use of force
- Future prevention: Inquiry aims to improve dementia care responses
Almost exactly three years after Clare Nowland was Tasered in her aged care home in Cooma, 114km south of Canberra, a Coronial Inquest into her death is underway.
In May 2023, Nowland, a resident of Yallambee Lodge aged care facility, fell and suffered a brain injury after being Tasered by then Police Officer Kristian White. She died in hospital a week later.
White was found guilty of the manslaughter of Nowland in November 2024, and was handed a two-year community correction order in March 2025. An appeal against the sentencing on the basis it was “manifestly inadequate” was dismissed.
In Queanbeyan Court, in southern NSW, on Wednesday, a Coronial Inquest into the death commenced.
Senior counsel assisting the coroner, Sophie Callan, said the focus of the focus of the inquiry will be on how staff in aged care facilities and first responders are trained to respond to people experiencing symptoms of dementia. It will consider if recommendations are needed to prevent a similar incident from occurring again in the future. The inquiry will also look at alternatives that could have been used by police and ambulance officers responding to Nowland's dementia-related aggression.
"We have an aging population in Australia … it is anticipated the number of people living with dementia in Australia will more than double in the next 20 years," Callan said.
"This will place increased demand on our aged-care sector and first responders in dealing with people with dementia."
Witnesses representing police and ambulance provided evidence first.
Anna Hofner, one of two paramedics at Yallambee Lodge on the night, said White's deployment of the taser was "excessive". She told the inquiry she felt "absolute shock and disbelief" as she saw White deploy the device.
"Since the incident at Yallambee, there's been a significant focus on training around these incidents and teaching paramedics how to advocate for the patients," Hofner said.
Senior Constable Jessica Pank, who was White's colleague at the time, said in evidence said she was not surprised that White drew his Taser after multiple unsuccessful attempts to get Nowland to drop the knife, but was surprised when he deployed it. She said, "oh shit" when White deployed the device, and did not believe its use was justified.
Pank told the inquiry that only one person rather than three should have been talking to Nowland that night.
The inquest is expected to run until 15 May 2026.
Respect Group took over Yallambee Lodge aged care home in April 2024.
