Jaysley mum: Army cannot investigate itself in cases of sexual harassment and assault
Leighann McCready, the mother of Jaysley Beck, says the Army must not be allowed to investigate itself when dealing with serious cases of sexual harassment, assault, bullying and abuse – "only then can we ensure true accountability, real justice and genuine change".
She was speaking after the conclusion of the inquest into the death of her daughter, Gunner Jaysley Beck, who served in the Royal Artillery and killed herself at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on 15 December 2021.
Ms McCready said an independent body should be responsible for investigating those more serious cases, completely separate from the Army.
She blames the Army for her daughter's suicide, saying: "I believe it was a cover-up, and it's been made clear through the findings that the Army have failed our daughter Jaysley."
She added that 700 male and female soldiers had made contact about their own experiences since the start of the inquest.
Reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault and abuse flooded in on the Facebook page of Fill Your Boots, which commended those who came forward for their bravery and apologised that it could not post all of the stories sent in.
Ms McCready told reporters: "Jaysley was so much more than a soldier – she was our daughter, a sister to Emilli and a friend to so many.
"She was kind, caring and truly loved by everyone who knew her. She was full of life, bright and absolutely fantastic at her job.
"The Army itself has said exactly the kind of person they wanted to join – she should still be here.
"Today, the coroner has made a number of extremely critical findings against the Army, and they have found that they have contributed to our daughter's death.
"The Army has admitted that it let Jaysley down, and has apologised for its failings – but no apology will ever bring our daughter back."
Addressing the Prime Minister directly following the conclusion of the inquest, Gnr Beck's mother said: "This message is to Sir Keir Starmer and our Government – things need to change.
"The Army cannot be allowed to investigate itself anymore when it comes to cases of sexual harassment, assault, bullying and abuse.
"Too often, servicewomen – and – men don't feel able to speak up out of fear of being victimised, and even when they do, the Army is left to investigate itself.
"This cannot continue. There needs to be an independent body responsible for investigating those more serious cases, which is completely separate from the Army – only then can we ensure true accountability, real justice and genuine change."
Concluding her statement, Ms McCready said: "The only comfort we have now is knowing that hundreds of people in the military have come forward, sharing their own experiences and seeking support.
"No one should have to suffer in silence.
"There are independent sources of help available, and we urge anyone affected to reach out. You are not alone.
"Jaysley should still be here. We won't stop fighting until meaningful action is taken."
The coroner concluded that "on the balance of probabilities" the teenage soldier had been sexually assaulted by another senior colleague, and the Army's failure to take appropriate action "more than minimally" contributed to her death.
The Army failed to report the assault to the police and that breached Army policy.
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