THE jury at the inquest into the death of Private James Collinson could have returned a verdict of suicide or accidental death.

Instead, it returned an open verdict.

The only conclusion that can be drawn is that members of the jury believe that something sinister may have led to the young soldier's death at Deepcut Army barracks in Surrey.

The latest verdict is a huge blow for those in the Government and the Ministry of Defence who have opposed a public inquiry into the events surrounding the deaths of four soldiers at Deepcut, including Private Geoff Gray, from County Durham.

An open verdict means that the jury, which has heard detailed evidence, cannot come to a clear view on what led to a young man's death.

On top of the earlier open verdicts returned at inquests into the deaths of two of the other Deepcut victims, it will fuel the speculation about what really went on at the barracks.

There is now only one way to clear the air and restore public confidence, and that is for a public inquiry to be held without further delay.

The coroner for Surrey, Michael Burgess, said yesterday that he believed the MoD had nothing to fear from a public inquiry.

The ministry has, however, got plenty to fear if it continues to dodge the issue - because suspicion will continue to gnaw away at the reputation of the Army and cause untold damage.