FAMILY members of Clare Nowland have spoken of her love for others, sense of adventure and quick-wit, during the sentencing hearing for NSW senior constable Kristian White, who was found guilty in November of the 95-year-old’s manslaughter.

Eleven family members of Mrs Nowland had victim impact statements read out in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, telling the court of their ‘anger’ and ‘grief’ following the death of the great-grandmother.

White was convicted of Mrs Nowland’s manslaughter by a jury. His trial lasted eight days in the NSW Supreme Court where he maintained a not-guilty plea to the manslaughter of Mrs Nowland, who he tasered in her Yallambee Lodge residence on May 17, 2023.

Mrs Nowland’s children, grand-children, son-in-law and sister told the Supreme Court their family matriarch was a ‘wonderful person’ with a passion for her community.

“Mum was an incredible person and a wonderful mother,” daughter, Lesley Lloyd, told the court.

Mrs Nowland’s son, Gerard, said his mum loved helping others. Mr Nowland said his mum is remembered for her commitment to the St Vincent de Paul Society and role in many Cooma committees.

“Mum was a well-respected leader in her community,” Mr Nowland said.

Mrs Nowland’s family said the incident has changed their lives. With White present in the court, they spoke of the difficulty of seeing the now sacked police officer around Cooma.

White has been on bail since he tasered Mrs Nowland.

“It makes me angry that I see Kristian White around town (Cooma),” Mrs Nowland’s grand-daughter, Clare Aitchison, said.

“Since the morning (Mrs Nowland was tasered) my life has changed.

“We were robbed of being able to say a proper goodbye.”

Crown Prosecutor, Brett Hatfield SC, submitted to Judge Ian Harrison that a custodial sentence must be imposed on White due to the serious nature of his crime.

Mr Hatfield disputed the defence’s claim White is remorseful for the manslaughter of Mrs Nowland, citing White’s appeal to the Industrial Relations Commission over his dismissal from the NSW Police Force.

When listening to submissions from the Crown and the defence, Judge Harrison remarked the situation could have been different had someone offered Mrs Nowland a ‘cup of tea and a bun’.

White’s sentencing hearing will continue at a later date with Judge Harrison indicating his decision would take much consideration.

White remains on bail.