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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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Sex abuse claims hang over new Deepcut inquest

The father of a young soldier found shot at a controversial army barracks has said he is convinced that she was abused before her death.

A new inquest was set to open today into Private Cheryl James, 18, who was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey in 1995.

Des James, her father, has spoken out after a judge said that he would not hear claims of sexual abuse as part of the proceedings.

Mr James said told ITV News Correspondent Juliet Bremner that he believed there had been "bullying at an extraordinary scale" at the barracks.

"I do honestly believe that a culture was created at Deepcut that allowed these people to exist and allowed them to intimidate children, effectively," he said.

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