Coroner to record verdict on Deepcut soldier's death

Findings from an inquest into the death of 18-year-old soldier Cheryl James, who died at Deepcut barracks, are expected to be returned on Friday.

Coroner Judge Brian Barker QC is due to record his conclusion into the death of Private James, from Llangollen, Denbighshire, who was found with a bullet wound to the head at the Surrey camp in 1995.

Three other recruits, Privates Sean Benton, James Collinson and Geoff Gray, also died from gunshot wounds between 1995 and 2002.

The initial inquest into Private James's death recorded an open verdict but her parents, Des and Doreen James, campaigned tirelessly for a new hearing.

High Court judges quashed the original findings and a second inquest was held in Woking sitting for 30 days over three months and hearing from 109 witnesses.

Privates Sean Benton, Cheryl James, Geoff Gray and James Collinson all died of gunshot wounds over a seven year period. Credit: PA

Judge Barker promised a "full, frank and fearless" investigation but he ruled out looking at allegations of sexual abuse and bullying that may have occurred at the barracks before her death.

Ahead of the inquest Mr James said: "The Deepcut situation is the tip of the iceberg. We have got to get to the bottom of what happened. I want justice for all four of them."

The inquest exposed flaws in the investigations into Private James' death by both the Army and Surrey Police - both of which apologised to the family during the hearing.

Pte James was found dead in a copse at around 8.30am on November 27 1995, a rifle and spent cartridge by her side, not far from the Royal Way Gate where she had been on lone guard duty.

On Friday at a hearing beginning at 11am, Mr Barker will give his findings as to how and why her life ended there.

His conclusions could prompt families of the other three Deepcut recruits that died to initiate their own legal actions.