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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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MP 'shocked' by the Army's 'neglected' duty of care

Private Cheryl James died at Deepcut barracks in 1995 Credit: ITV

An MP has said she is "shocked by the extent to which the Army neglected their duty of care at Deepcut Barracks", following the inquest into the death of Private Cheryl James.

In a statement, Madeleine Moon MP said there was "undisciplined atmosphere at Deepcut", and the deaths of the four recruits "reflected the culture in the Armed Services at the time."

However the verdict "represents hope for closure and relief for one of the families and the prospect of justice for the others".

She said "bullying and sexual harassment" still occurs in the Army, despite the creation of the Service Complaints Ombudsman, and called on the Secretary of State for Defence to be held to account.

"In the spirit of openness and accountability, Michael Fallon must come to the house on Monday to make a statement."

"This is an opportunity for the MOD to restore public confidence in their commitment to the welfare of personnel and to demonstrate their willingness to recognise and learn from past mistakes," she added.

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

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