Police Officer Who Tasered Clare Nowland, 95, Claims He Wanted To Avoid ‘violent Confrontation’

Kristian White, 34, formally pleads not guilty in NSW supreme court at start of trial that could last three weeks into 2023 nursing home tasering

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

A police officer who was trying to disarm an elderly woman carrying a knife claims he discharged his taser because a “violent confrontation was imminent” and he had to protect police, paramedics and nursing home staff, his lawyer has told the NSW supreme court.

Snr Const Kristian James Samuel White, 34, on Monday formally pleaded not guilty to one count of manslaughter at the start of a trial that could last three weeks.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email