...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Post-Event Turmoil at Cooma Hospital
In the wake of the unfortunate passing of Clare Nowland, who was controversially Tasered by police, emotions ran high at Cooma Hospital.
Grieving family members found themselves in a verbal dispute with a community advocate within the cold gloom of the facility’s parking lot.
Unofficial Family Spokesman Andrew Thaler in Altercations
Andrew Thaler, an individual who had undertaken the role of the family’s unofficial spokesperson since the Taser incident, found himself embroiled in a pair of confrontations with some members of Clare’s family.
The hostility erupted not long after the police had revealed their intent to press charges against Senior Constable Kristian White, the officer responsible for deploying the Taser against Ms. Nowland.
Thaler’s Social Media Broadcast Coincides with Nowland’s Passing
Thaler was engaged in a live Facebook broadcast, informing the public about the impending charges against Constable White, when he learned of Ms. Nowland’s passing at approximately 7pm.
His broadcast coincided with the departure of several aggrieved family members from the hospital.
In his words, “I was live updating out front of the hospital about the news of the cop who tasered Clare being charged, and two incidents occurred with members of Clare’s family”.
Thaler’s Response to Accusations
Caught up in this whirlpool of emotions and events, Thaler expressed empathy towards the stress experienced by the family.
In response to allegations of stalking, he stated, “Our community is under pressure…people want truth, many want to speak out”.
Thaler has been consistently providing updates about Ms. Nowland’s condition since the Taser incident.
Media Deals and Police Officer’s Charges
With regard to media coverage, it was reported that some of Ms. Nowland’s family members were in contact with major television networks Seven and Nine, possibly for appearances on Spotlight and Sixty Minutes programs.
There were also rumors of a contract signed with the latter.
Meanwhile, Policeman Kristian White is set to face charges including recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault.
His court hearing is scheduled for July.
