AN elderly dementia sufferer has died after being tasered by cops.
Clare Nowland, 95, was walking through her Australian care home with a steak knife at 4am last Wednesday when she was tasered.
The great-grandmother was left critically injured – sparking a national outcry.
She has since died in hospital "surrounded by family and loved ones".
The officer who tasered Mrs Nowland has now been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault.
Senior Constable Kristian White, 33, has been suspended and is due to appear at Cooma Local Court on July 5, police say.
More world news
Maddie lake search sparked by ‘very credible’ informant to Germany’s FBI
Moment wheelchair-bound man and his dog are attacked by a THOUSAND killer bees
Cops were called to Yallambee Lodge car home in New South Wales after staff found Mrs Nowland clutching a steak knife.
Police say officers told Mrs Nowland – who suffered from dementia – to drop the blade but she didn't and started walking towards cops at a "slow pace" using her zimmer frame.
One of the officers then discharged a taser – allegedly causing Mrs Nowland to fall and hit her head.
She is understood to have suffered a fractured skull and a serious brain bleed.
Most read in The Sun
Strictly star Amy Dowden reveals she's battling breast cancer at 32
Major BBC TV show has Phillip Schofield in its sights after his This Morning axe
Key evidence Maddie cops are searching for is revealed as bags taken from lake
This Morning bosses dramatically release new Phillip Schofield statement
It led to nationwide outrage, with New South Wales coming under heavy scrutiny as shocked members of the public demanded that body cam footage to be released.
The force's Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the incident is being investigated.
She told the Today Show: "We don’t know why the aged care facility called police in the first place.
"Police officers are trained in a number of tactical options to use the least amount of force.
"Until we actually understand why, we won’t really know."
New South Wales confirmed Mrs Nowland died on Wednesday.
A statement said: "It is with great sadness we confirm the passing of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in Cooma.
"Mrs Nowland passed away peacefully in hospital just after 7pm this evening, 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.”
Source: Read Full Article