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Private Cheryl James died from 'self-inflicted shot', coroner rules

Private Cheryl James died as a result of an intentional "self-inflicted shot" while on guard duty at Deepcut barracks, a coroner has ruled.

The young female recruit, 18, died from a gunshot wound to the head at the Surrey base in November 1995 - one of four recruits who died there over seven years.

Delivering his conclusion following a three-month inquest into her death, Coroner Brian Barker QC said: "The conclusion is self infliction."

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MOD: Army now a beacon of equality and opportunity

The Ministry of Defence has said the Army is now "demonstrably inclusive" and a "beacon of equality", following the verdict into the death of Private Cheryl James.

In a statement read outside the Coroner's Court in Woking on Friday, Brigadier John Donneley said:

"We are truly sorry for the low levels of supervision we provided, and that we took too long to recognise and rectify the situation.

Brigadier Donneley paid tribute to the "dignity" Cheryl James' family and friends have shown, and acknowledged the "difficult time" they have been through.

"General Sir Nick Carter has publicity committed to improving the army's culture, to ensure that the army is demonstrably inclusive, that it respects difference and it is a beacon of equality of opportunity.

"An Army where a talented young woman, like Cheryl James, would've thrived and excelled."

Coroner Brian Barker QC concluded the death of Private Cheryl James was suicide, and caused by an intentional "self-inflicted" shot.

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Private Cheryl James died from 'self-inflicted shot', coroner rules

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