Guard at first praised for saving inmate Ashley Smith, inquest hears

TORONTO – A front-line guard says he was initially praised for intervening to save a teen inmate from choking.

However, an inquest is hearing the situation changed during Ashley Smith’s second stay at the prison in Kitchener, Ont., where she died.

Correctional Officer Blaine Phibbs says guards were then told to be aloof, and to stay out of Smith’s cell.

Under cross-examination, Phibbs said he was fired after Smith, 19, died in October 2007 and he was criminally charged.

The charge was later dropped when it was discovered Correctional Service of Canada hadn’t turned over documents.

He says prison authorities allowed him to resign, and paid him off in exchange for his keeping quiet about the deal.