Soldiers Warned Deepcut Father 'It Could Be Us Next', Inquest Hears

Fellow soldiers told the father of a teenager shot dead at Deepcut barracks "don't let this lie, it could be one of us next", an inquest has heard.

Private Geoff Gray, 17, from Hackney, east London, was found with two gunshot wounds to his head on September 17 2001 after he had been on guard duty at the Surrey base.

Pte Gray's father, also called Geoff, told a fresh inquest into his son's death that the last time he saw his son was at home around two weeks before he died, and that Pte Gray had just passed his driving test and was "living his dream".

Mr Gray said other soldiers had warned him at the funeral "don't let this lie, it could be one of us next", in a previous statement to Surrey Police in 2002, the inquest heard.

Pte Gray's parents said their son, a keen ice skater, runner and amateur DJ, had "no depression" or money or girl troubles, and had taken a substantial pay cut from a previous job as his "heart was set on the Army".

A statement read on behalf of Pte Gray's mother Diane said: "My son blossomed into a man I was proud of. I feel I have been robbed of seeing our son grow up.

"Geoff signed up to serve our country. It's about time our country served him and let the truth be told."

In 2002, a coroner recorded an open verdict in the first inquest.

Pte Gray was one of four young soldiers to die at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut, between 1995 and 2002.

The new inquest is happening because Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC said he was satisfied fresh evidence had come to light.

Opening the hearing, coroner Peter Rook QC said: "The relevant facts will be investigated again.

"I stress this will be a full, thorough and fresh investigation."

The inquest, which does not have a jury, is listed as lasting until early May.