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Army cleared two senior officers of failing abused gunner Jaysley Beck, who killed herself months later

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Gunner Jaysley Beck, found dead at Larkhill Camp in December 2021, had reported being pinned down and sexually assaulted by a former warrant officer five months before her death.
Gunner Jaysley Beck, found dead at Larkhill Camp in December 2021, had reported being pinned down and sexually assaulted by a former warrant officer five months before her death.

Colonel Samantha Shepherd and Major James Hook walked free at Catterick Military Court after a judge advocate ruled the evidence fell short of the threshold needed to convict either officer of ignoring Gunner Jaysley Beck's complaints of sexual abuse. The 19-year-old from Cumbria had been sexually assaulted by Battery Sergeant Michael Webber during a training exercise before taking her own life at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Beck's mother, Leighann McCready, left the courtroom before the final verdict was read out.

A six-month prison sentence was handed to Webber, 43, who had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting Beck five months before her death.

A coroner's inquest found the Army's failure to act 'more than minimally' contributed to Beck's death.

McCready said the acquittals marked 'the end of a long and very sad journey for Jaysley and for our family'.

Moreforcesnews.comSenior officers found not guilty over handling of allegations made by Gunner Jaysley BeckYahoo News UKTwo senior officers cleared of charges relating to teenage soldier Jaysley Beckmiragenews.comColonel Shepherd, Major Hook Court Martial VerdictGB NewsJaysley Beck: Colonel found not guilty of mishandling allegations made by female soldier who killed herselflancs.liveMother speaks out after senior officers cleared of mishandling abuse claims
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