Shropshire Star

Star comment: Family's pursuit of the truth

If there are lessons to be learned following the sorry death of Private Cheryl James, we must learn them.

Published

She was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound in 1995 and was one of four recruits to die during a period characterised by allegations of bullying and abuse.

Arguably the most important facet of the case has been the conduct of Pte James' family. They have been tireless in their campaign for justice and have not blanched when lesser souls might have done so.

They have been vigorous and committed in their pursuit of the truth. They have encountered 20 long and sorrowful years of pain and torment. They have not given up the fight but have instead rallied with courage and conviction to ensure inconvenient truths are brought to light.

Their purpose has been quite simple. They want justice for their daughter and for other victims, they want those accountable to be brought to book and they want to ensure that others do not suffer in the way that others did during a murky chapter in the Army's recent history.

Indeed, it is entirely remarkable that the James family has not faltered given the length of time that the matter has taken to reach the coroner's court.

Twenty years is too long for any inquiry. And given that the Deepcut case has such a profoundly high level of public interest, it ought to have been heard many years ago.

The James family and others have spoken of a drug and alcohol culture at the time of fatalities. And while remedial action has subsequently been taken, it is wrong that it has taken so long for the matter to be formally addressed.

There can be no doubt that there were failings and that innocent lives were lost. The reasons for that will not be examined within the parameters of an inquest and it is to be hoped that the James family will receive the answers they seek.

The British justice system is slow and cumbersome. Rarely has there been a truer proverb than: 'the wheels of justice grind slowly'.

They ought not to do so. We live in an age where information can be gathered and analysed in a short time. Judgements can be made far more speedily than they have been in the case of Deepcut.

It is to be hoped improvements will be made and that the James family will find some peace.

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