Summary
The mother of a British soldier, Jaysley Beck, who took her own life after being sexually assaulted by a superior, claims the Army is not a safe place for women. A coroner found that harassment by Warrant Officer Michael Webber contributed to Beck's death. Webber pleaded guilty to assaulting her, and Beck's family is demanding better handling of complaints in the military.
Key Facts
- Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, died by suicide in December 2021.
- A coroner ruled that harassment by her superior officer, Michael Webber, contributed to her death.
- Webber pleaded guilty to assaulting Beck during a training exercise.
- Beck's family says the Army should better handle complaints and ensure young women are safe.
- Beck had complained about Webber twice before her death.
- The family wants complaints in the military to be investigated by independent bodies.
- Defence Minister Luke Pollard acknowledges the need for cultural change in the armed forces.
- Beck joined the Army at age 16 and was from Cumbria.
