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Pte Cheryl James inquest: Deepcut death evidence 'insufficient' Pte Cheryl James inquest: Coroner retires to consider verdict
(about 1 hour later)
The family of a soldier found shot at Deepcut barracks in Surrey "reluctantly accept" there is insufficient evidence to establish exactly how she died, their lawyer has told an inquest. The coroner at the inquest into the death of a soldier found shot at Deepcut barracks in Surrey has retired to consider his verdict.
Pte Cheryl James was found dead with a bullet wound to the head in 1995.Pte Cheryl James was found dead with a bullet wound to the head in 1995.
Alison Foster QC, representing Pte James' family, said there was no reliable foundation for a finding that the wound was self-inflicted. The inquest began in February and has heard from more than 100 witnesses. Closing submissions were presented earlier.
She said there was enough evidence to conclude she was shot from a distance. The 18-year-old from north Wales, was one of four recruits to die at the base in seven years.
The 18-year-old from north Wales was one of four recruits to die at the base in seven years. Alison Foster QC, representing Pte James' family, said there was "no reliable foundation" for a finding that the wound was self-inflicted and said they were reconciled to "the possibility of an open conclusion".
All evidence has been taken by the coroner in Woking, but the Ministry of Defence is still due to give final submissions. Ms Foster told the court that "we cannot know the precise circumstances in which Ms James met her death."
'Soot residue'
She said there was enough evidence to conclude Pte James was killed by a rifle shot from distance.
It is open to the coroner, Ms Foster added, to find that Pte James was "killed by a non contact gunshot wound to the head by an unknown third party."
The evidence cited to support this was that of Professor Derrick Pounder, who said Pte James must have been shot from distance because there was no soot residue on her face and hand.
All evidence has now been taken by the coroner in Woking.
The inquest has taken evidence from 109 people including nine expert witnesses.The inquest has taken evidence from 109 people including nine expert witnesses.
Coroner Brian Baker QC is due to begin considering the case later and expected to give his conclusions on 18 May. Coroner Brian Baker QC is expected to give his conclusions on 18 May.
A first inquest into Pte James's death in December 1995 recorded an open verdict. This second inquest in Woking was ordered after High Court judges quashed the original findings.A first inquest into Pte James's death in December 1995 recorded an open verdict. This second inquest in Woking was ordered after High Court judges quashed the original findings.
Who were the Deepcut four? Background to the deaths and timeline of events.Who were the Deepcut four? Background to the deaths and timeline of events.