A former Battery Sergeant Major, Michael Webber, has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who tragically died by suicide in December 2021. Gunner Beck made her complaint after an incident during a team-building exercise in July 2021, where Webber allegedly pinned her down and attempted to kiss her.
The inquest revealed that the British Army’s failure to properly address her complaint contributed to her death. Gunner Beck had reported the assault multiple times but was persuaded it was not serious. This mishandling left her feeling unsafe and fearful at work, leading to her sleeping in her car for safety.
Following the plea, Gunner Beck’s mother Leighann McCready expressed relief but stated, “Nothing can undo the devastating loss of our beautiful daughter Jaysley.” A report also detailed harassment Beck received from another senior colleague, which aggravated her distress.
