Sandhurst Army Cadet Officer Found Hanged In Her Room, Inquest Told

An Army officer cadet was found hanged in her room at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, an inquest hearing has heard.

Olivia Perks, 21, was discovered at the prestigious academy in Berkshire on 6 February.

Her inquest was opened at Berkshire Coroner's Office in Reading.

A provisional cause of death was given as "asphyxia due to hanging", senior Berkshire coroner Heidi Connor told the hearing.

She said: "I would like to say first of all that I am very sorry to meet members of the family in these tragic circumstances."

Ms Perks, whose father attended the two-minute hearing, was identified on the day she was found by Sergeant Major Richard Pask, the hearing was told.

The inquest was adjourned to a date yet to be confirmed "to investigate and determine the size of the case", the coroner said.

She added: "This is of course a tragic case of a promising woman and I would like to record my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to family and friends and all who knew her."

Ms Perks was in her last term at the academy, where all British Army officers are taught the responsibilities of leading soldiers during a 44-week course.

It is understood Ms Perks had been spoken to before her death after failing to return to her barracks following a weekend party on the base.

Aside from the minor disciplinary incident, there was no suggestion of further wrongdoing.