Deepcut inquest – Coroner’s ruling on death of Pte Sean Benton

The conclusion of the fresh inquest into the death of Pte Sean Benton in 1995 at Deepcut Barracks was handed down today at Woking Coroner’s Court. Sean Benton was the first of four trainee soldiers who died of gunshot wounds at the barracks between 1995 and 2002.

The Coroner, HHJ Rook QC, concluded that Sean Benton committed suicide while profoundly affected by a decision to apply for his discharge from the Army. No third party fired any other shots during the incident that led to his death.

This high-profile historical inquest has lasted six months and heard live evidence from 117 witnesses. Francesca Whitelaw and John Goss appeared for two individual soldiers with Interested Person status; Claire Palmer acted for a soldier called to give evidence.

Francesca Whitelaw and John Goss previously acted in the Cheryl James Inquest, which arose out of another of the deaths at Deepcut.

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Authors

Francesca Whitelaw KC

Call 2003 | Silk 2023

Claire Palmer

Call 2003

John Goss

Call 2015

Related areas

Inquests

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