Deepcut Army recruit ‘was kept shackled’

A YOUNG army recruit who died at the notorious Deepcut Army barracks previously claimed he was “shackled” and “humiliated” at the base, an inquest heard yesterday.

Private Sean Benton, 20, was found with five bullets in his chest in June 1995, shortly after he had been told he was to be discharged.

He was the first of four young soldiers to die of gunshot wounds at the Surrey barracks between 1995 and 2002. The inquest at Woking coroner’s court heard that Private Benton, from Hastings, told his sister he was imprisoned by bullies at the base for 10 days.

Tracy Lewis said her brother told her that he had “been in jail for 10 days” and was “shackled”.

“He used that word,” she said, referring to “shackled”, adding: “He was made to parade around the canteen which embarrassed him and he felt really humiliated.”

Private Benton’s family have campaigned for a full investigation into his death for years amid allegations he suffered prolonged bullying while in the Army.

An initial inquest recorded a verdict of suicide in 1995.

The new inquest, which is expected to last two months, continues.