Jaysley Beck, 19, reportedly made a complaint about officer’s behaviour before being found dead in 2021
An inquest into the death of 19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck has heard claims that she was pinned down by a senior officer who allegedly tried to kiss her prior to her tragic death in December 2021. Beck, a Royal Artillery Gunner, was found dead in her room at Larkhill Camp, Wiltshire.
The inquest revealed that Beck had made a complaint earlier that year about an incident during her stay at Thorney Island, Hampshire, in July 2021, involving BSM Michael Webber. During a conversation with a close friend, Beck reportedly described how, after a night of drinking, the senior officer “tried it on” with her, attempting to kiss her while pinning her down.
In addition, the inquest highlighted that Beck had received thousands of unsettling messages from Bdr Ryan Mason, a senior colleague, whom she described as “psychotic and possessive.” These incidents were described as part of an “intense period of unwelcome behaviour,” which the army service inquiry in October 2023 identified as a likely factor contributing to her death.
L/Bdr Kirsty Davis, who trained with Beck, recalled receiving a phone call from her friend in the early hours, where Beck shared her distress about the incident. The inquest continues to explore the possible connections between these allegations and the circumstances leading to Beck’s untimely death.
