Army Officers Face Court Martial Over Teen Soldier's Sexual Assault Case Handling
Two serving army officers are now facing court martial proceedings over their handling of a teenage soldier's sexual assault complaint before she tragically took her own life. The case has raised serious questions about military discipline and support systems within the armed forces.
The Tragic Case of Jaysley Beck
Jaysley Beck, a 19-year-old Gunner with the Royal Regiment of Artillery, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15, 2021. The young soldier had previously complained about the behaviour of a male colleague before her untimely death. An inquest into her passing revealed disturbing details about the circumstances leading to this tragedy.
The investigation heard that Ms Beck had made a formal report against former Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber, who had pinned her down and attempted to kiss her during a training exercise at Thorney Island, near Emsworth in Hampshire, in July 2021. Webber was subsequently jailed for six months for sexual assault in October, after an inquest determined he had played 'more than a minimal contributory part into her death'.
Charges Against Commanding Officers
The Service Prosecution Authority has now charged two officers who were in Ms Beck's chain of command - Major James Hook and Colonel Samantha Shepherd. Both officers were aware of her complaint before she took her own life, raising serious questions about their response to the allegations.
Ms Beck's family had previously written to General Sir Roly Walker, the head of the British Army, requesting further action be taken against both officers. Their persistence has now resulted in formal charges being brought under Section 19 of the Armed Forces Act, relating to conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline.
Controversial Responses to Allegations
Colonel Shepherd, who served as the regimental colonel for the Royal Artillery, claimed during the inquest that the allegation against Ms Beck was of 'unwelcome attention, inappropriate contact' rather than sexual assault. She later told the hearing: 'I know now that it constitutes a sexual assault but I didn't know it at the time.'
Meanwhile, Major Hook admitted he had 'suspicions' that the young soldier might have fabricated the assault as an 'excuse' to avoid team building exercises. He defended his decision not to initiate a disciplinary investigation immediately, denying any attempt to protect Sergeant Webber.
Detailed Account of the Incident
During the inquest proceedings, Major Hook provided a detailed account of his conversation with Gunner Beck. He recalled that she reported Sergeant Webber had made 'a pass' at her, telling her 'I've been waiting for this moment and I've seen the way you've been looking at me'.
When questioned by Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg about why he hadn't launched an immediate investigation, Major Hook claimed he was 'trying to establish exactly what happened' and described what he had heard as 'ambiguous'. The coroner pressed him on whether the army's 'zero tolerance' policy toward sexual misconduct applied in this scenario between a senior non-commissioned officer and a junior rank.
Additional Harassment Revealed
The inquest uncovered further distressing details about Ms Beck's experience. Her line manager, Bombardier Ryan Mason, had sent her more than 4,600 text messages confessing his feelings, along with a 15-page 'love story' detailing his fantasies about her. Ms Beck considered him 'psychotic and possessive' but was reportedly reluctant to report this additional harassment.
Military Response and Reforms
The Ministry of Defence has stated that following an investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command, two individuals have been charged with offences under military law. A spokesperson added: 'It would be inappropriate to comment further as legal proceedings are ongoing.'
In response to this case and similar incidents, the MoD has launched a violence against women and girls taskforce and established a serious crime command. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns acknowledged last year: 'I think the Gunner Beck case was a horrendous failing of the system.' He emphasised that significant changes have been implemented to ensure 'no woman ever feels alone again in defence'.
Family Reaction and Ongoing Proceedings
Leighann McCready, Ms Beck's mother, expressed relief that charges have finally been brought, stating: 'More than 4 years on from the loss of our daughter we are very relieved to have finally got to this point.'
The report into Gunner Beck's death confirmed she had no diagnosed mental health conditions and had not sought welfare support from anyone in the Army prior to her death. This case continues to highlight critical issues around safeguarding, reporting mechanisms, and command responsibility within the British military establishment.
