Deepcut soldier, 20, took own life amid ‘toxic culture’

A YOUNG soldier who took his own life amid a “toxic culture” at Deepcut Barracks 23 years ago was let down by a lack of support from the military, a coroner said.

Coroner Peter Rook QC said Pte Sean Benton was frequently the recipient of harsh treatment, and had been “punched and kicked” by an instructor in the days before his suicide.

Mr Rook made the remarks as he gave his ruling at an inquest into the death of 20-year-old Pte Benton, who was found dead at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut, in June 1995.

The soldier, from Hastings, was found with five bullet wounds to his chest at the Surrey base shortly after being told he was to be discharged from the Army.

He was the first of four privates to die there between 1995 and 2002 amid claims of bullying and abuse. Cheryl James, James Collinson and Geoff Gray also died from gunshot wounds.

Pte Benton’s family have called for criminal charges to be brought against the instructor who assaulted the soldier.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph after the inquest, Tracey Lewis, his sister, said: “I feel justice has been done for Sean. It’s been a very emotional day and while I’m not going to say I feel anger towards the Army, I feel more disappointed. I am not confident that something like this could never happen again.”

The inquest has heard evidence from more than 170 witnesses over 40 days since it began in January at Woking coroner’s court. It was triggered following a campaign by Pte Benton’s family after the initial inquest, held a month after his death, recorded a verdict of suicide. His parents died before the second inquest was granted.

The coroner said he was hampered by a “woefully inadequate” investigation in 1995, including a failure to preserve evidence, poor photographs of the scene and a lack of scrutiny of eyewitness accounts.