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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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Deepcut inquest to go ahead despite family call for delay

Private Cheryl James, 18, was found dead at Deepcut barracks in 1995. Credit: Family handout

A coroner has ruled that a fresh inquest into the death of a teenage soldier Deepcut army barracks should go ahead as planned, despite her family's call for it to be delayed to allow new scientific evidence to be properly considered.

A lawyer for Private Cheryl James' family, who was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound in 1995, had said the "important" pathological evidence shows it may not have been self-inflicted.

However, Brian Barker QC said there was no "practical unfairness" in scientific experts being heard later in the proceedings.

The inquest will examine new evidence suggesting Pte James, may have been sexually exploited by senior ranks shortly before her death.

High Court judges ordered the new inquest in 2014 after they quashed an open verdict recorded in December 1995.

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New evidence may show Deepcut soldier did not shoot herself, inquest hears

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