A prison officer applied a spit hood on Selesa Tafaifa, who later died in custody, without hearing her say 'I can't breathe.'

The officer had difficulty putting on the hood, which fell off and was reapplied, and witnesses noted it was not applied optimally.

Selesa, who had health issues and a criminal record, was restrained and placed in the hood.

Guards did not respond to her complaints of not being able to breathe, and the Cert team leader believed her words were manipulative.

Selesa died in solitary confinement after a conflict with guards, with an autopsy finding recent injuries all over her body but not determining the cause of death.

The inquest revealed training issues and questionable debriefing procedures.

Selesa's family described her as nurturing and gentle.

The inquest has been adjourned for further consideration.