Colonel cleared of not properly handling allegations of soldier who killed herself
Summary
A senior army officer, Colonel Samantha Shepherd, was found not guilty by a military court of mishandling allegations made by a young soldier, Gunner Jaysley Beck, who later died by suicide. The court said there was not enough evidence to convict Shepherd, but the trial of another officer, Major James Hook, is still ongoing.Key Facts
- Colonel Samantha Shepherd faced charges over her handling of a teenage soldier’s complaint.
- Gunner Jaysley Beck took her own life in December 2021 after reporting possible misconduct.
- The military court found there was not enough evidence to convict Shepherd.
- The case involved events during a training exercise on Thorney Island in July 2021.
- Beck reported unwanted behavior by Warrant Officer Michael Webber at a social event.
- Major James Hook is also on trial related to the case; his trial is still in progress.
- Hook said Beck told him Webber “made a pass” at her but did not force himself on her.
- The court is hearing details on whether officers took appropriate actions after Beck’s report.
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