Deepcut’s dangerous cocktail
Deepcut was a violent, dangerous and understaffed regime where young soldiers lived in fear of mafia gangs with no confidence in the army chain of command, an inquest heard.
Groups of soldiers, described as mafia, were active in Deepcut and intimidated people who were not part of their group, the court heard.
Records showed 37 times when the security fence around the camp had been breached including being cut.
Inexperienced teenage soldiers were given live weapons to patrol the camp and some reported for guard duty after drinking.
Years after bullying by junior officers had been identified as an issue at the camp, violent intimidation by staff was still going on, the second inquest into the death of Pte Geoff Gray heard.
He was the third of four young soldiers shot dead at the controversial Surrey army camp between 1995 and 2002.
He was killed within a week of the 911 attacks in the USA when the entire British army was on high alert.
Dangerous Cocktail
John Cooper QC for the Gray family accused army head of personnel services Brigadier Christopher Coles of being an apologist for what happened at Deepcut and avoiding questions about serious incidents of violence.
The Brigadier provided a 92 page statement to the inquest.
“If we do have a cocktail of alcohol abuse, a propensity to violence, group violence, not reporting, that’s a dangerous cocktail,” Mr Cooper asked the Brigadier.
“I can’t attest the quantities at the time are the cocktail you say,” Brig Coles said.
Mr Cooper said an analysis of daily reports compiled by Surrey police found 327 significant incidents logged over a six year period at Deepcut.
“Self harm, 59, assault and violence 95, crime 13, security 95, medical 8, other 57.
“Assault and violence, physical assaults, weapons, sexual offences.
“Included are two respirator incidents,” Mr Cooper said.
The Respirator Gang attacked failing recruits at night dressed in gas masks, the second inquest into the death of Sean Benton heard.
Fire
There were five alleged assaults by NCOs and two alleged assaults on NCOs, Mr Cooper said.
“In February 2000, two soldiers said they feared for their lives after a mattress being set on fire in their room,” he said.
The brigadier said a hardcore of offenders had been identified and moved on during the period.
There were 19 references to battery, ten of threatening behaviour.
Mr Cooper asked the Brigadier about an incident in the same month Pte Gray died where another soldier claimed he had been threatened with a pair of scissors after raising a complaint.
The female NCO threatened him with the scissors and fined him.
“It’s always a concern when a soldier says they’ve been mistreated,” the Brigadier said.
Significant violence
The family barrister said there was significant violence at the camp around the time Pte Gray was shot twice in the head.
“The thrust of my questions is not taking seriously real threats to Geoff Gray that he could have been killed.
“You have been assuming suicide and continue to assume suicide despite evidence Deepcut was a very violent and dangerous regime,” Mr Cooper said.
“I wasn’t there at the time and I am unable to give context,” the Brigadier said.
“Let me be blunt,” Mr Cooper said.
“We’re going to be suggesting to you that your statement is designed to carry on and perpetuate the suicide scenario.
“You’re pushing for a suicide verdict, aren’t you,” Mr Cooper said.
“I’m not pushing for any verdict.
“It’s not my business,” the Brigadier said.
He agreed there was no suggestion Pte Gray had been bullied and he had never appeared on an at risk register.
Pte Geoff Gray
HIs family have said they believe he was murdered.
The inquest continues.