Deepcut review rejects call for public inquiry

A report into the deaths of four young army recruits at Deepcut barracks has rejected calls for a public inquiry.

The review by Nicolas Blake QC investigated the deaths of Privates Sean Benton, 20, from Hastings, Cheryl James, 18, from North Wales, Geoff Gray, 17, from Co Durham and James Collinson, 17, from Perth. All four were found dead with gunshot wounds at the Surrey training base between 1995 and 2002.

The review concluded that the deaths of Ptes Benton, James and Gray were probably self-inflicted. However, he did not reach any conclusion on the death of Pte Collinson. He was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head at the base. Earlier this month, an inquest into his death returned an open verdict.

The report suggested that the barracks' policy of assigning trainees to guard duty, unsupervised by experienced soldiers, afforded an "opportunity for self-infliction". The report also found a "number of factors that may have contributed to their unhappiness and may have made them more susceptible to self-harm".

Mr Blake's report said that there was no evidence that the recruits had been "bullied to death" and said that a public inquiry was not necessary.

However, the report found that some Deepcut trainees had experienced "harassment, discrimination and oppressive behaviour". Those who complained also appeared to have "little confidence" that the system would address their grievances, the report said, and Mr Blake recommended that an independent Army Ombudsman should be established to deal with complaints from soldiers.

Commenting on the review, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said that the review had described "a disturbing catalogue of allegations of misconduct." He said that army authorities would examine the report to see if there is any indication of professional misconduct or negligence which might make administrative action appropriate.

He also said that any matters that suggest a disciplinary offence may have been committed will be referred to the Royal Military Police for further investigation.

(KMcA)