Senior officers found not guilty over handling of allegations made by Gunner Jaysley Beck

A court-martial has cleared two Army officers of failing to properly deal with allegations made by a teenage soldier who took her own life five months later. 

Colonel Samantha Shepherd and Major James Hook were accused of "conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline" in connection with the death of 19-year-old Gunner Jaysley Beck.

Both of them denied the charges.

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Following the second day of the trial, Col Shepard and Maj Hook left court after the judge advocate directed the board to return not guilty verdicts. 

In Col Shepherd's case, the prosecution conceded it did not have sufficient evidence to convict, and she walked free this morning.

Meanwhile, following a submission from Maj Hook's defence, he also had no case to answer, and the judge advocate again directed the board to return a not guilty verdict. 

In relation to Maj Hook, Assistant Judge Advocate General Edward Legard said: "The evidence is of an inconsistent, vague and tenuous nature.

"Both the legal and evidential basis on which the Crown alleges prejudice is flawed and uncertain." 

Jaysley Beck's mother, Leighan McCready, left the court before this last verdict was read out, but the Judge Advocate requested his closing remarks be passed on to her. 

He acknowledged the outcome is "likely to cause some upset" and offered his "profound sympathy" to the family and friends of Gnr Beck. 

You can find out how the first day of the trial unfolded here.