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New evidence may show Deepcut soldier did not shoot herself, inquest hears

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, 18, who was discovered with a fatal bullet wound at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey in November 1995 - one of four recruits to die there over a seven-year period.

At a hearing at Woking Coroner's Court in Surrey, lawyers for Pte James's family called for the inquest to be delayed by a few weeks to allow "important" pathological evidence to be properly considered.

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Deepcut: New evidence may show soldier did not kill herself

New scientific evidence has shown a teenage soldier found dead at Deepcut army barracks more than 20 years ago may not have killed herself, an inquest has heard.

Private Cheryl James was one of four recruits to die at Deepcut over a seven-year period. Credit: Family handout

Private Cheryl James, 18, was discovered with a fatal bullet wound at in November 1995.

A lawyer for her family has called for a second inquest into her death to be delayed by a few weeks to allow "important" pathological evidence to be properly considered.

Alison Foster QC said: "Now there is distinguished pathological evidence showing that the shot that killed Cheryl James may not have been self-inflicted.

"Third party involvement is more than merely speculative, according to this inquest's pathologist.

"It's important such evidence is fully acquired and assimilated", she added.

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New evidence may show Deepcut soldier did not shoot herself, inquest hears

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