Menu
29/03/2006
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)
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 April 2004
Fall in number of children killed on Britain's roads
The number of children killed or seriously injured on British roads has fallen by a third in just three years, according to a government report published today. The report also found that the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads has fallen by 17%.
Fall in number of children killed on Britain's roads
The number of children killed or seriously injured on British roads has fallen by a third in just three years, according to a government report published today. The report also found that the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads has fallen by 17%.
21 March 2005
Army recruits at risk from abuse
Army recruits are at high risk of bullying, harassment, self-harm and injury, an independent report has claimed. The report, conducted by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) also found that there were high drop-out rates and said that training and welfare needed to be "better managed, better organised and better controlled".
Army recruits at risk from abuse
Army recruits are at high risk of bullying, harassment, self-harm and injury, an independent report has claimed. The report, conducted by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) also found that there were high drop-out rates and said that training and welfare needed to be "better managed, better organised and better controlled".
30 November 2004
Deepcut abuse allegations subject of independent review
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram told MPs today that Deepcut army barracks in Surrey will be the subject of an independent investigation following allegations of abuse. Confirmation of the independent review will come as welcome news to the families of the four recruits who died at the base between 1995 and 2002.
Deepcut abuse allegations subject of independent review
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram told MPs today that Deepcut army barracks in Surrey will be the subject of an independent investigation following allegations of abuse. Confirmation of the independent review will come as welcome news to the families of the four recruits who died at the base between 1995 and 2002.
09 August 2011
Hull Council 'Failed To Protect Children'
Hull City Council has been strongly criticised for failing to tackle concerns about the safety of a brother and sister, which could have had "very serious consequences", a report said.
Hull Council 'Failed To Protect Children'
Hull City Council has been strongly criticised for failing to tackle concerns about the safety of a brother and sister, which could have had "very serious consequences", a report said.
02 March 2007
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
