A public inquest begins today into the death of a man who was being held in police custody in Swift Current.

David Gruno, 54, went into medical distress at the RCMP detachment in July 2010.

He was taken to the Pasqua Hospital in Regina, where he died the next day.

Inquests are held whenever someone dies while in custody.

Coroner Keith Kilback of Regina will preside at the inquest along with a six-person jury. The purpose of an inquest is not to assign blame, but to make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.

The inquest is scheduled for five days at Court of Queen’s Bench in Swift Current.