Private Cheryl James' family 'shocked and saddened' at verdict

The parents of Private Cheryl James have said they are "saddened and surprised" at the inquest's ruling into her death.

Speaking outside Woking Coroner's Court in Surrey, Des and Doreen James said: "The evidence has revealed serious and profound failures in the care and supervision that aught to have been provided to her.

"While we welcome the coroner's verdict, we are deeply saddened by the coroner's conclusions having sat through all the evidence ourselves, listened carefully to every word, read every statement and re-read every testimony.

"In short it's our opinion it did not lead to this verdict.

"Deepcut was a toxic and horrible environment for a young woman and we have no doubt, that this would've had a terrible impact on those that were required to live there".

Brian Barker QC told the inquest on Friday that Private James' death was caused by "an intentional discharge by Ms James".

He said there was no evidence to suggested Ms James was unlawfully killed while she was on guard duty in the Surrey base in 1995.