Sister Urges Women Against Joining Army After Coroner Links Systemic Failures to Soldier's Tragic Death
It's a heartbreaking and infuriating story that sheds light on some dark corners of the British Army: the tragic death of 19-year-old Gunner Jaysley Beck. On December 15, 2021, Beck was found hanged in her room at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire. The aftermath has revealed a disturbing picture of routine systemic failures within the military structure. A coroner's inquest brought to light how these failures led Beck to such a tragic end, linking them directly to her suicide.
Beck's service with the Army was marked by distressing experiences with sexual harassment and assault. Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg uncovered that her line manager, Ryan Mason, subjected her to ongoing harassment. But that wasn't the only horror Beck endured. Earlier, she had been assaulted by Warrant Officer Michael Webber during an adventure training event. Instead of reporting it to the police as policy demanded, the Army chose to handle things internally—a decision that breached their own guidelines.
For Beck's family, this wasn't just a tragic loss; it was a betrayal by an institution meant to safeguard its own. Emilli Beck, Jaysley's sister, voiced strong opposition to women joining the Army after these revelations. She didn't hold back, criticizing the Army for what she called a pattern of sweeping allegations under the rug, an accusation that hit hard when she charged them with having 'blood on their hands' due to neglectful practices.
The family's grievances didn't stop there. Jaysley's mother, Leighann McCready, went further, accusing the Army of a cover-up and demanding that military complaints be subjected to outside oversight. The call for external intervention isn't new but gains poignant urgency in the light of Beck's death.
The Army's response, led by Brigadier Melissa Emmett, involved an apology and an acceptance of the failings noted in the inquest. Veterans Minister Alister Carns also vowed to learn and adapt, emphasizing that abuse and unacceptable behavior should have no place in the military environment. The promises echo those often heard in the wake of scandal but come now with increased pressure for genuine change.
Key to the inquest's findings was not just the personal failures around Beck's treatment but a broader systemic issue. The violation of Beck's Article 2 right to life was highlighted by the coroner as evidence of the state’s inability to protect her with sufficient policies and practices.
In the midst of these revelations, there's a palpable hope that Beck's story can drive substantial reform, though for her family, the change comes too late to save their beloved Jaysley. Her story stands as a somber reminder that institutions entrusted with the safety of individuals must do more to prevent such tragedies.