Smith inquest resumes
Posted Oct 23, 2012 05:36:08 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The inquest into the prison death of Ashley Smith five years ago resumes today for two days of legal fighting.
At issue is the scope of the inquest and whether the public can see cell surveillance videos of the mentally disturbed inmate.
The wrangling is threatening to derail the inquest, which was scheduled to begin hearing evidence in January.
Several doctors and federal corrections authorities argue the probe should only look at Smith’s treatment in Ontario.
Smith’s family agrees with the presiding coroner that examining her treatment in other provinces is essential.
The 19-year-old Smith choked to death in her cell at Kitchener’s Grand Valley Institution for Women after repeated episodes of self-harm.
