Mum of former Perth soldier ‘positive’ of getting fresh inquest

The mother of a former Perth soldier who died at Deepcut Army barracks is “positive” there will be a fresh inquest into his death.

Yvonne Heath (formerly Collinson) said she was delighted to hear the news that the family of Private Geoff Gray, 17, have been given the go-ahead to apply for a new inquest – and said there should be a similar outcome for Private James Collinson.

Four young soldiers died at the Surrey barracks between 1995 and 2002.

Pte Collinson was found dead with a single gunshot wound through his chin on March 23 2002. Pte Gray was found with two gunshot wounds to his head on September 17 2001.

Prior to that, Pte Sean Benton, 20, was found with five bullet wounds to his chest in June 1995 while undergoing training at the Surrey base. Pte Cheryl James, 18, died at Deepcut in November 1995.

A coroner had previously recorded an open verdict on the death of Pte Gray following an inquest in March 2002. However, his family have now won the right to apply to the High Court for a new inquest after Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC said he was satisfied fresh evidence had come to light.

Mrs Heath said she was “absolutely delighted” to hear of another Deepcut family’s progress.

“It’s fantastic news for the Gray family – I’m so, so pleased for them,” she said.

“Hopefully, the fresh inquest into James’s death will take place next year.

“The new inquest into Sean Benton’s death is to be held in January 2018, and hopefully we will have a similar outcome with James.”

She continued: “There has now been full disclosure of all the files relating to James’s death at Deepcut from Surrey Police and the volume of information is astronomical. We’re aiming to have the original inquest verdict quashed and get a fresh inquest into his death.

“I’m feeling very positive about getting this done. It’s a case of one for all and all for one – all the families involved have battled together to try to get to the truth.”