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Officer 'surprised not to be interviewed' in Cheryl James inquest

Private Cheryl James was found dead at Deepcut Barracks in 1995 Credit: ITV Meridian

One of the last people to see army recruit Private Cheryl James alive at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey, said he was "surprised" he was not interviewed in the investigation into her death.

The 18-year-old soldier was discovered with a fatal bullet wound on November 27th 1995 - one of four recruits to die at the barracks near Camberley over a seven-year period.

Major Richard Rimmington, a former instructor at the base, told Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking he was probably the last person to see her alive. He said he drove through the gate at the training camp where Pte James was posted on guard duty moments before she died.

Cheryl was found dead at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey in 1995 Credit: ITV Meridian

"At the gate I saw one person, it was a female, a female in uniform doing guard duties. I showed her my ID card and probably said 'good morning how are you'. I remember that day because of the events, it's one of those things that stays in your mind. I was surprised no one came to talk to me. After the initial inquest had concluded I thought they must not have needed me."

– Major Richard Rimmington, former instructor at Deepcut Barracks