Jaysley Beck: Army's apology for failing to protect teenage soldier who took her own life

The Army has apologised for failing to protect a teenage soldier found dead in her room at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021.

Veterans Minister Alistair Carns said Gunner Jaysley Beck's death "was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her".

"Let me be clear: there is no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military," he added.

• Army policy was breached, coroner at inquest into Jaysley Beck's death concludes
• Jaysley Beck dreamt of military career, but silent battle of harassment led to tragic death
• Letter of apology to female soldier not enough, inquest into her death hears

The Army service inquiry and inquest into her death uncovered the harrowing details of the harassment she endured, laying bare the systemic failures that contributed to her death. 

The inquest at Salisbury Coroner's Court heard that Gunner Beck had been subjected to persistent harassment by her immediate superior, Bombardier Ryan Mason, who sent her more than 1,000 WhatsApp messages and voicemails – a number that would increase to more than 3,500 the following month.

A previous incident in July 2021 further highlighted the toxic environment she was forced to navigate.

During an adventure training exercise at Thorney Island, another superior, Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber, allegedly pinned her down and attempted to kiss her.

The coroner said that the handling of this assault "played more than a minimal contributory part in her death".

"I acknowledge what has been said in this inquest and the Army will now reflect on the evidence heard and the failings identified to learn lessons from the coroner's findings," Mr Carns went on.

"The Army has accepted the failings identified by the Service Inquiry and responded to the recommendations to improve service life across its culture, policies, and practices." Mr Carns continued.

"Our Armed Forces play a vital role in protecting the nation and a range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for our personnel, particularly for new recruits, and ensure that any concerns raised are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken.

"This Government has stepped up efforts to bring about crucial reform and provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system.

"We will honour Jaysley's legacy by ensuring this is done in the shortest possible time and in the most effective manner."

At the conclusion of the 19-year-old's inquest on Thursday, Brigadier Melissa Emmett, head of the Army Personnel Support Group, read out a statement on behalf of the head of the British Army, General Sir Roly Walker.

The statement in full said: "On behalf of the Chief of the General Staff, I wish to extend the Army's deepest condolences to Jaysley's family and friends and to offer them our sincerest apologies for the failings that the coroner has identified during this inquest; we should have done so much more to support and protect her.

"Jaysley was exactly the kind of person the Army needs, and she was excelling at her job. Her friends described her as someone who was kind, funny and always putting others before herself.

"The three years since Jaysley's sad death have seen significant changes in the Army, including the introduction of clear and unequivocal policies to state that there will be zero tolerance to unacceptable sexual behaviours.

"These changes are being embedded throughout our culture, policies, and enduring practices across every part of the Army.

"There is more work to do, and the evidence heard in this inquest reminds us how important it is to make lasting and effective change.

"It is my hope that such change will give service personnel the confidence they need to report sexual offences and inappropriate behaviours, knowing that they will be listened to.

"We are absolutely clear that everyone must play a role in building and upholding the respectful, professional environment we all need to thrive.

"We welcome the independent scrutiny provided by this inquest process and acknowledge the professionalism of all those involved in the detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding Jaysley's death."

Brig Emmett went on: "At the heart of this is a grieving family and I want to conclude by paying tribute to them.

"They have been remarkable; from the support they gave us during the conduct of our Service Inquiry, to the dignity and fortitude they have shown through the inquest, and for the compassion they have shown many of the young witnesses during these proceedings."

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