Cheryl James's father: Police 'assumed suicide'

The father of a a teenage soldier found dead at an army barracks has told an inquest there had been an "assumption of suicide" by the police.

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

John Beggs QC, representing Surrey Police, said at the time the force was also investigating the murder of schoolgirl Milly Dowler and the M25 rapist.

Mr James told the court he had voiced concerns that Surrey Police's resources were "stretched" but he was told they were not.

Mr Beggs said three people had come forward to say Pte James had spoken to them about shooting herself, including one who claimed she had said: "The only way to get out of the army is to put a gun to your head."

Mr James said the comments could possibly be explained by "bravado".

Lawyers for Pte James's family had called for the inquest to be delayed to allow "important" forensic evidence to be heard before other witnesses were called.

The inquest, which is expected to last seven weeks, was adjourned until Tuesday.