Sask. guard cleared in Ashley Smith assault case

John Tarala, a security supervisor at a psychiatric prison in Saskatchewan is not guilty of assaulting inmate Ashley Smith in 2007, a judge ruled Thursday.

The 19-year-old Smith was being housed at the federal corrections facility known as the Prairie Regional Psychiatric Centre, in Saskatoon.

The woman had a troubled history with the corrections system, from about the age of 15.

The case involving Tarala stemmed from allegations that arose after Smith was restrained in her room, over concerns she would hurt herself.

Provincial court heard that Smith had twice tried to choke herself.

A nurse on duty at the time testified that she saw Tarala strike Smith as he intervened to control the young woman.

Trial Judge Barry Singer said the nurse's testimony was not credible. The judge said that Tarala's recounting of what happened was believable.

Tarala testified that he did not assault Smith, although he admitted that he did not follow corrections policies when he tried to restrain her.

The Crown prosecutor said it was unlikely the not guilty outcome would be appealed.

Tarala's lawyer said his client has applied to return to his job, and will be seeking compensation for lost wages. Tarala was suspended and then fired when the allegations arose.

"The decision reflects what we have always said," Bill Selnes said after court. "The evidence against John Tarala was unreliable.

"He's maintained he was innocent from the day he was charged," Selnes added. "It was a great ordeal for him and a great relief now that the accusers against him were found to be unreliable witnesses and not credible witnesses and the judge found no reason to disbelieve him. I say he was vindicated by the court."

Smith's experiences in provincial and federal corrections facilities have been the focus of several reviews.

Shortly after the Saskatoon incident, Smith was transferred to another federal facility in Kingston, Ont. In October 2007, she committed suicide in her cell.