25 May 2023

UPDATED: Clare Nowland has died peacefully in Cooma Hospital, police say

| Kim Treasure
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Clare Nowland

Clare Nowland is in hospital receiving end of life care. Photo: Supplied.

UPDATED 10pm: NSW police have released a statement announcing that 95-year-old Cooma woman Clare Nowland died this evening at 7 pm, just after police charged the officer who allegedly tasered her.

Mrs Nowland had been receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital after her skull was fractured in a fall last Wednesday at Yallambee Lodge.

“It is with great sadness we confirm the passing of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in Cooma tonight (Wednesday 24 May 2023),” a statement on the NSW Police Facebook page said.

“Mrs Nowland passed away peacefully in hospital just after 7 pm tonight, surrounded by family and loved ones who have requested privacy during this sad and difficult time.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with those who were lucky enough to know, love and be loved by Mrs Nowland during a life she led hallmarked by family, kindness and community.”

7 pm: The 33-year-old senior constable who allegedly tasered an elderly Cooma woman, leaving her clinging to life, will be charged over the incident.

The police officer, attached to Monaro Police District, has been issued with a Future Court Attendance Notice for the offences of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault.

Clare Nowland, 95, was injured when allegedly tasered by police called to Yallambee Hostel in Cooma at about 4 am on 17 May because she was carrying a knife.

Police had tried to convince her to put down the knife. When she did not and approached a door near the police officers, one senior constable discharged his taser, allegedly striking Mrs Nowland and causing her to fall.

READ ALSO Officer who allegedly tasered Clare Nowland suspended with pay as government urged to set up inquiry

The fall caused a fractured skull. Mrs Nowland is now in hospital, surrounded by family, and clinging to life.

The officer is due to appear at Cooma Local Court on Wednesday, 5 July 2023, where he will be formally charged.

He remains suspended from duty with pay.

Investigations into the critical incident continue.

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