New evidence may show teenage soldier Cheryl James did not shoot herself
Private Cheryl James, 18, was discovered with a fatal bullet wound at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey in November 1995
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Your support makes all the difference.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 who was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey in November 1995.
The 18-year-old was one of four recruits to die at the Royal Logistic Corps barracks in Camberley over a seven-year period between 1995 and 2002 amid claims of a culture of intimidation, bullying and sexual abuse.
At a hearing at Woking Coroners’ 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.
"Now there is distinguished pathological evidence showing that the shot that killed Cheryl James may not have been self-inflicted,” said Alison Foster QC, who is representing the family.
She added: "Third party involvement is more than merely speculative, according to this inquest's pathologist.
"It's important such evidence is fully acquired and assimilated."
A second inquest is examining new evidence suggesting Pte James, from Llangollen in North Wales, may have been sexually exploited by senior ranks shortly before her death.
High Court judges ordered the inquest in 2014 after they quashed an open verdict recorded in December 1995. Ahead of the inquest Pte James’s body was exhumed and then reburied after two pathologists carried out a post-mortem examination. Metallic fragments were said to have been recovered from the body.
Coroner Brian Barker QC has said he will not consider claims of a "wider culture of sexual abuse" at Deepcut barracks because he is not conducting a public inquiry.
Privates Sean Benton, 20, James Collinson, 17, and Geoff Gray, also 17, also died from gunshot wounds at the barracks between 1995 and 2002.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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