Tasered grandmother’s family lawyer reveals ‘much more’ to the story as her estate sues NSW government: ‘It’s important to keep an open mind’
Claire Nowland’s estate is suing the NSW government as the circumstances surrounding the tasering are still being investigated.
His family’s lawyer says the tragic circumstances that led to the tasering of a frail great-grandfather who later died are still being investigated.
Sam Tierney told Nine’s Today program on Wednesday: ‘There is more to this incident than I suspect.
‘It’s a very unique set of circumstances.’
The estate of Claire Nowland is suing the NSW Government after the 95-year-old died a week after being Tasered at a Cooma nursing home in May.
His family’s lawyer (pictured, Sam Tierney) said the tragic circumstances that led to the tasering of a frail great-grandfather, who later died, are still being investigated.
Ms Noland, who had dementia and weighed 43 kilograms, confronted police while using a walking frame and holding a steak knife.
He was tasered and fell, hitting his head on the ground, and died a week later.
‘We still don’t know the full circumstances of what happened in this tragic incident,’ Mr Tierney said.
‘There’s been a lot of reporting on various things which, you know, may or may not be correct.
‘We are still looking into those matters.
‘I think it’s very important that the public also remember, from the perspective of the family, that these tragic circumstances are still being investigated.’
The family launched a civil case against the NSW Government in the Bega District Court on Tuesday.
‘Behind all of this is a family that has lost a beloved grandmother … but I don’t think anyone would face a unique situation like this,’ Mr Tierney said.
‘While the family certainly appreciates the support, they are going through a grieving process independent of all these court proceedings.
The estate of Claire Noland (pictured) is suing the NSW Government after the 95-year-old died a week after being Tasered at a Cooma nursing home in May
The legal case comes a week after Senior Constable Christian White (pictured) appeared in Cooma Local Court via video link.
‘I think it’s fair to say that all of us who have been through the unfortunate situation of losing a grandparent are well aware of that grief and I certainly believe that the family is going through that process.
‘But I don’t think anyone would face such a unique situation when it comes to losing a grandparent.’
The legal case comes a week after Senior Constable Christian White appeared in Cooma Court Local Court via video link charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and common assault.
Mr Tierney said the family ‘didn’t want to miss anything happening in the criminal proceedings involving Christian White’.
He is yet to enter a plea and the matter will return to court on September 6.
The hearing of the civil case has been adjourned till August 24.
‘At the moment, the proceedings have been adjourned for a short period until August and the civil proceedings will run their course,’ Mr Tierney said.