No arrests in Deepcut barracks probe despite three-year investigation

No arrests in Deepcut barracks probe despite three-year investigation
No arrests in Deepcut barracks probe despite three-year investigation

The investigation into new allegations of assault and misconduct at Deepcut barracks has failed to make an arrest after almost three years.

Surrey Police were forced to open the new investigation when fresh evidence lead to demands from the families of four recruits shot dead at the barracks.

Police announced the probe after the second inquest into the death of a young recruit heard shocking new allegations and former soldiers who served at Deepcut continue to come forward.

Four young soldiers died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut between 1995 and 2002.

During the second round of inquests into their deaths, former soldiers gave first hand accounts of horrendous abuse at the Princess Royal Barracks.

The new investigation was confirmed by Surrey Police in February 2019 following a review after the second inquest into the death of Sean Benton.

Surrey Police launched a criminal investigation following the deaths of four army recruits at Deepcut barracks between 1995 and 2002 amid allegations of bullying

Surrey Police launched a criminal investigation following the deaths of four army recruits at Deepcut barracks between 1995 and 2002 amid allegations of bullying 

Inquests into the deaths of the four recruits cited the problem of bullying at Deepcut barracks, pictured

Inquests into the deaths of the four recruits cited the problem of bullying at Deepcut barracks, pictured

Private James Collinson, 17, from Perth, top left, Private Cheryl James, 18, from Llangollen, North Wales, top right, Private Sean Benton, from Hastings, East Sussex, bottom left, and Private Geoff Gray, from Seaham, Durham, bottom right, all died at the barracks

Private James Collinson, 17, from Perth, top left, Private Cheryl James, 18, from Llangollen, North Wales, top right, Private Sean Benton, from Hastings, East Sussex, bottom left, and Private Geoff Gray, from Seaham, Durham, bottom right, all died at the barracks

His inquest concluded in 2018 and the force announced they had launched a new investigation at the start of the second inquest for Geoff Gray in 2019.

So far, Surrey police have not been able to confirm anybody has been arrested, cautioned or charged since the new investigation launched.

A spokesman for Surrey Police could only say the investigation is still ongoing.

The second round of inquests into three of the deaths were held at the coroner's court in Woking from 2016 to 2019.

During the second Sean Benton inquest, several former soldiers gave evidence about the abuse they suffered at Deepcut.

Sgt Andrew Gavaghan was named by many as being involved in incidents at the camp.

Another NCO, Sgt Major Martin Holder was also named by former soldiers.

A group known as the Respirator Gang were also sighted as being involved in late night beatings.

His Honour Judge Peter Rook QC decided Pte Benton had taken his own life.

The 20-year-old shot himself five times in the chest, the coroner concluded.

Pte Geoff Gray's father Geoff Snr said: 'The police investigation should have been wrapped up by now whatever the outcome.

'It would appear that Surrey Police have buried Deepcut for ever.'

Des James, whose daughter Cheryl died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut in 1995, said he is still frustrated by the lack of accountability at Surrey Police and the MoD.

'I think the MoD and Surrey Police got a free pass.

'Four kids died in a camp we now know was out of control and just because no evidence turned up at the inquest doesn't mean there wasn't any.

'No one was very keen to look for it, of course, given

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