The coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest into the death of Gunner Jaysley Beck (Picture: Family handout)

Army

Royal Artillery officers deny charges relating to Gunner Jaysley Beck case

Two Army officers have denied conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline in relation to Gunner Jaysley Beck.

Colonel Samantha Shepherd and Major James Hook appeared at the Military Court Centre at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire by video link.

The allegations they face relate to how they handled information before Gnr Beck was found dead in her barracks at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in 2021.

Not guilty pleas

Former NCO Michael Webber, 43, was jailed for six months by a military court last year after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting Gnr Beck five months before her death.

An inquest into the 19-year-old Royal Artillery soldier's death found the incident involving Webber and the Army's failure to take appropriate action "more than minimally" contributed to her death.

Col Shepherd pleaded not guilty to two charges of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline.

The first alleges that "on July 13, 2021, and thereafter, you did not report the commission of an alleged sexual assault to the service police in respect of a suspect within the regiment of which you were regimental colonel".

The second alleges that "on a date in July 2021, you misreported what you had been told by Jaysley Beck" to another person.

Gunner Beck's mother said of her: "She had a heart of gold. She would do anything for anyone" (Picture: Family handout)

Appearances via video link

Maj Hook pleaded not guilty to one charge of the same offence. This alleges that "on July 13, 2021 you did not treat information passed to yourself by Jaysley Beck in a manner consistent with its seriousness".

Judge Adjutant General Alan Large told the defendants they would face courts martial on 14 September.

It has not yet been decided whether the five-day hearing will be at Catterick or at Bulford Camp in Wiltshire.

A further case management hearing will be held on 23 June.

Members of Gnr Beck's family were on the link listening to the 20-minute hearing.

Maj Hook is currently serving with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, while Col Shepherd is serving with the British Defence Staff in the United States.

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