An inquest into the 2010 death of a New Brunswick inmate has made no recommendations to prevent a similar death in the future.

The jury deliberated for two hours before returning a verdict of a natural death and no recommendations in the case of Glen Edward Wareham, who died as an inmate of the Shephody Healing Centre.

The chief coroner noted 172 recorded incidents of self-harm over the six-and-a-half years Wareham was incarcerated. The jury heard objects as innocuous as paper clips could become tools for self-harm in cases like this.

The inquest was held by the New Brunswick Coroner Service. An independent organization cannot assign blame for deaths, but can make recommendations to prevent a similar situation in the future.

Earlier this week the jury heard a National Board of Investigation report into Wareham's death in 2010, where 15 recommendations were made to the Correction Service of Canada.

Nine of those recommendations were accepted, including.

  • Training on how to handle inmates prone to self-injury
  • Compliance with American Psychiatric Association guidelines when it comes to the use of restraints.
  • Written care plans be required in the use of restraints for health purposes.
  • Stress management workshops for staff

Wareham's mother testified her son was kept in restraints on most occasions when she visited him before his death.

A point of contention from the opening day revolved around a law adopted by New Brunswick at the start of the 20th century. It prevents the family and people close to the deceased from having legal standing in an inquest.

The lawyer representing Wareham's family says New Brunswick is unique in not allowing families to participate. She noted the family of Moncton native Ashley Smith was given standing in the 2007 Ontario coroner's inquest into her death.

The jury did ask if their recommendations could pertain to Wareham's life before he was arrested, but this inquest focused solely on Wareham's time in the New Brunswick prison system.

His family hopes the law that prevented them from standing will be changed in the future.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Cami Kepke.