Army

Charity Backs Calls For Public Inquiry Into Deepcut

A human rights charity has called for a public inquiry into the physical and sexual abuse at Deepcut Barracks.

The campaign group Liberty has written to the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon on behalf of three soldiers who died at the camp in Surrey calling for an investigation into the treatment of servicemen and women.

The parents of Private Cheryl James, who died there in 1995, were among those who supported the letter.

Her father, Des James, said the inquiry may “finally draw a line under this dark stain on the reputation of the British Army” after an inquest earlier this month found that the 18-year-old had died from an intentionally “self-inflicted shot” from her rifle at Deepcut.

Deepcut Barracks. Courtesy: MoD Police

The coroner also criticised welfare standards in the army.

Mr James said:

"The MoD has wasted many years avoiding a public inquiry into Deepcut and even denying that an abusive culture existed until very recently.”

"These are years that could have been used to reassure parents of future recruits, and years that could have been used compassionately to listen to and offer comfort to those recruits whose young lives have been so dreadfully affected."

James Collinson

The families of Privates Sean Benton and James Collinson, who also died at the barracks, and Mark Harrison, a rape victim at Deepcut, also supported the letter.

They’re calling for the a public inquiry that will look at the allegations about treatment of servicemen and women, the "sexualised culture" at the barracks, and "serious deficiencies" in current legislation covering the Armed Forces.

Sean Benton

Emma Norton, the solicitor for the families of Cheryl James, Sean Benton and James Collinson and a lawyer for Liberty, said:

"The fact that these allegations were never properly investigated continues to cast a long and shameful shadow over the British Army and undermines genuine attempts at reform."

"Without a public inquiry, those who describe serious assaults and other abuse at Deepcut will not have any chance to speak out about those experiences.

"They deserve to have them acknowledged, see those responsible held to account and know that lessons really are being learnt so other young recruits do not suffer in this way again."

General Sir Nick Carter has said that a public inquiry should be held if it is the “best method” of getting to the truth.

And earlier this month the former Chief of the General Staff, Lord Dannatt, called for a public inquiry into the allegations of bullying and harassment at Deepcut.

Talking about a possible public inquiry last week an MoD spokesperson said:

"The MOD did not oppose the application to the Attorney General for a fresh inquest into the death of Pte Sean Benton. Should the High Court agree to a new inquest, the MOD will fully support the work of the Coroner in this matter."