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New evidence may show teenage soldier Cheryl James did not shoot herself | New evidence may show teenage soldier Cheryl James did not shoot herself |
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New scientific evidence has shown a teenage soldier found dead at an army barracks more than 20 years ago may not have killed herself, an inquest has heard. | New scientific evidence has shown a teenage soldier found dead at an army barracks more than 20 years ago may not have killed herself, an inquest has heard. |
A fresh inquest is due to take place into the death of Private Cheryl James who was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey in November 1995. | |
The 18-year-old was one of four recruits to die at the Royal Logistic Corps barracks in Camberley over a seven-year period between 1995 and 2002 amid claims of a culture of intimidation, bullying and sexual abuse. | |
At a hearing at Woking Coroners’ Court in Surrey, lawyers the teenager's family called for the inquest to be delayed by a few weeks to allow "important" pathological evidence to be properly considered. | |
"Now there is distinguished pathological evidence showing that the shot that killed Cheryl James may not have been self-inflicted,” said Alison Foster QC, who is representing the family. | |
She added: "Third party involvement is more than merely speculative, according to this inquest's pathologist. | |
"It's important such evidence is fully acquired and assimilated." | "It's important such evidence is fully acquired and assimilated." |
A second inquest is examining new evidence suggesting Pte James, from Llangollen in North Wales, may have been sexually exploited by senior ranks shortly before her death. | A second inquest is examining new evidence suggesting Pte James, from Llangollen in North Wales, may have been sexually exploited by senior ranks shortly before her death. |
High Court judges ordered the fresh inquest in 2014 after they quashed an open verdict recorded in December 1995. | High Court judges ordered the fresh inquest in 2014 after they quashed an open verdict recorded in December 1995. |
Coroner Brian Barker QC has said he will not consider claims of a "wider culture of sexual abuse" at Deepcut because he is not conducting a public inquiry. | Coroner Brian Barker QC has said he will not consider claims of a "wider culture of sexual abuse" at Deepcut because he is not conducting a public inquiry. |
Privates Sean Benton, 20, James Collinson, 17, and Geoff Gray, also 17, also died from gunshot wounds at the barracks between 1995 and 2002. | |
Additional reporting by Press Association |