The mother of teenage soldier Jaysley Beck, Leighann McCready, stated that her daughter was 'let down' by the Army after two high-ranking officers were cleared of allegations regarding a cover-up of a sexual assault that occurred before Beck took her own life. Gunner Beck, 19, was found dead in her Wiltshire barracks five months after being sexually assaulted by her sergeant major, Warrant Officer Michael Webber, 43, who was sentenced to six months in prison for the attack last year.
Following the assault during a training exercise in Hampshire in July 2021, Gunner Beck reported the incident to Colonel Samantha Shepherd and Major James Hook of the Royal Artillery. A court martial trial at Catterick Garrison revealed that Col Shepherd allegedly failed to relay critical details about the allegation to her superiors, possibly to avoid a service police investigation into her regiment. Major Hook, then a captain, reportedly did not take Beck's allegations seriously and pressured her to withdraw her claims. The trial heard that he considered her allegation 'spurious' because she did not want to participate in the training exercise.
Both officers were acquitted of charges related to conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline under the Armed Forces Act 2006. Judge Advocate Edward Legard dismissed the case, stating that the prosecution's evidence was 'inconsistent, vague and tenuous.' He noted that the legal basis for the allegations was flawed.
The court heard from Major Mae King, who spoke with Col Shepherd after the incident, but she could not confirm how much detail was discussed. It was also noted that Major Hook did report the assault to Major Richard Lupton, despite Gunner Beck's reluctance. Judge Legard found no direct evidence that Hook discouraged Beck from making her complaint.
An inquest into Gunner Beck's death concluded that the Army's mishandling of her sexual assault complaint contributed significantly to her death. The inquest revealed that she faced ongoing harassment from Bombardier Ryan Mason, her line manager, which included inappropriate behavior and a 15-page 'love story' he had written.
After the court martial's decision, Mrs. McCready expressed her commitment to advocating for improved safeguarding measures within the armed forces. She acknowledged the court's ruling but emphasized the Army's failures in handling her daughter's case. She stated, 'Nothing was ever going to bring Jaysley back, but today marks the end of a long and very sad journey for Jaysley and our family.' She highlighted the need for a system that protects and believes those who come forward with allegations.
Colonel Shepherd's barrister, Derek Johashen, commented that Shepherd remains devastated by Gunner Beck's passing and is relieved by the court's decision, but emphasized that the focus is not on her.