Summary
Two senior Army officers, Colonel Samantha Shepherd and Major James Hook, have denied charges related to the mishandling of a complaint by a soldier who died by suicide after being sexually assaulted. The soldiers' inquest found that the Army's failure to take action contributed to her death. The trial for the officers is scheduled for September.
Key Facts
- Colonel Shepherd and Major Hook face charges of not handling a sexual assault complaint properly.
- The case involves Gunner Jaysley Beck, a soldier who died by suicide in December 2021.
- An inquest found the Army's inaction played a role in Beck's death.
- Former officer Michael Webber was jailed for sexually assaulting Beck.
- The Army apologized for the failings identified in handling the case.
- Shepherd and Hook appeared in court through video link and pleaded not guilty.
- Their trial will begin on September 14 at one of two possible locations.
- A hearing to manage the case further will take place on June 23.
