Army’s handling of soldier’s sex assault claim ‘played...

THE Army's handling of a young soldier's sexual assault claim before she took her own life played a part in her death, a coroner ruled. Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck was discovered dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15, 2021. The 19-year-old was allegedly targeted by a senior colleague, Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber in July 2021.

Image Credit: The Sun [Woman in a one-shoulder light pink top.]

An inquest heard how Jaysley had called another colleague in tears claiming Webber had pinned her down and tried to kiss her. Nicholas Rheinberg, assistant coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon, today ruled Jaysley died by suicide following the sexual assault.

Image Credit: The Sun [Gunner Jaysley Beck at her military passing-out parade.]

He added: "She was sufficiently terrified to flee the scene (after an incident), hide in the toilets, take refuge in the car and remain on the phone (to her colleague).". The coroner also said the Army's handling of the incident "played more than a minimal contributory part in her death".

Image Credit: The Sun [Woman in a lace prom dress holding a glass of wine.]

Mr Rheinberg said the complaint "should have been reported to police and the failure to do so breached Army policy". The court was told Webber received a minor sanction on his record but was still promoted to Warrant Officer 1 rank in May 2022. Jaysley had filed a complaint but details of the offence were omitted and a "miscommunication" meant improper legal advice was given.

Image Credit: The Sun [Photo of a young woman in a camouflage uniform taking a selfie.]

He later wrote a letter of apology to Jaysley describing his behaviour as "absolutely unacceptable". The incident took place at an adventure training exercise at Thorney Island, near Emsworth in Hampshire. Jaysley claimed Webber told her he was waiting for a moment for them to "be alone" then engaged in a drinking game.

Image Credit: The Sun [A smiling young woman with long brown hair.]

She said he then grabbed her leg and tried to kiss her - despite her begging no, the court was told. An Army service inquiry report said previously this was "possibly a factor that may have influenced her failure to report other events that happened subsequently".

The inquest heard Jaysley was also subjected to an "intense period of unwelcome behaviour" from Bombardier Ryan Mason. She received thousands of messages from him and described him as being "psychotic and possessive". In November alone - the month before Jaysley's death - she received 3,600 messages from her senior colleague.

In one, he told her: "You're amazing Jayse, I appreciate you so much, I love everything about you, even your flaws. "I will always be there along for the ride with you, I have said it before but you're stuck with me forever now. I love you x As a friend, I love you.".

Jaysley's mum Leighann McCready told the court her daughter felt that Mason was "overstepping the mark of her friendliness" and was becoming a "creep". EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide. It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:. The Army report outlined three "contributory factors" to Jaysley's death - including the "significant strain" of a sexual relationship with a married colleague in the last few weeks of her life.

It also said that family issues, including a bereavement, were possibly a factor, as well as the breakdown of a relationship in November 2021. The third mentioned an "unhealthy approach to alcohol, with episodes of binge drinking". It added that Jaysley had no diagnosed mental health conditions and had not sought welfare support from anyone in the Army.

The inquest previously heard from Brigadier Melissa Emmett, head of the Army personnel services group, who said the force formally accepted failures were made. Brigadier Emmett added: "We let her down in so many ways for which we have already apologised, and if I can apologise again, for what it's worth, I would do.".

Mason denied he had tried to "manipulate" Jaysley by talking about his own mental health and suicide concerns, while Webber, who is married, declined to answer questions at the inquest. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.