Jaysley Beck, a 19-year-old Royal Artillery gunner, died by suicide in December 2021 at Larkhill Camp, near Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Her death followed a sexual assault she suffered at the hands of Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber, now 43.
The young soldier’s inquest revealed the harrowing circumstances that led to her taking her own life and the failures in the military system meant to protect her.
A Complaint Ignored
Jaysley had reported the assault the day after it happened, but her complaint was dismissed.
Rather than being investigated by military or civilian police, Webber faced only a minor disciplinary action and was ordered to write a letter of apology.
Shockingly, he was later promoted to warrant officer class 1, a position that oversees soldier welfare.
Her mother, Leighann McCready, has been vocal about the failures in handling Jaysley’s complaint.
“Throughout this process it has been clear to me that Jaysley’s life didn’t matter to the British Army as much as protecting Michael Webber and the army’s own reputation,” she said.
Justice, but Too Late
It wasn’t until February 2025, during Jaysley’s inquest, that the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) finally decided to bring charges against Webber.
Last month, he was sentenced to six months in a civilian prison for sexual assault, four years after the original attack.
Ms. McCready expressed mixed emotions at the sentencing.
“I felt like I should be hearing this with my daughter beside me, still alive,” she said.
“It’s upsetting, but at least some accountability is happening now.”
Calls for Wider Investigation
The attorney-general’s office is now reviewing the leniency of Webber’s sentence, and the SPA is considering whether charges should be brought against others involved in Jaysley’s case.
Reports suggest additional evidence is being scrutinized for possible new prosecutions.
Ms. McCready believes the army failed her daughter at multiple levels.
“Real changes are needed now, not empty promises,” she said.
“Evidence has shown, through our own daughter, that protection for soldiers is not there.”
A Mother’s Plea for Reform
Leighann has become a prominent advocate for safer policies in the Armed Forces, especially for young female recruits who are often in vulnerable positions.
“Recruits are such a vulnerable age when they first join up, surrounded by lots of men,” she explained.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today show, she criticized current MoD measures, saying, “Absolutely not.
I’m still contacted by other soldiers, parents… this is still happening.
Only this week, people have been reaching out saying, ‘Leighann, please keep fighting, because I too am going through this right now in the military.’”
The Ministry of Defence Responds
An MoD spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones.
Her death was a tragedy which continues to be felt across the Army and wider Defence community. Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has no place in the military.
All those who serve must do so free from abuse and with dignity and respect.”
The statement added that the Army has acknowledged failings identified by the Service Inquiry and is implementing changes to improve culture, policies, and practices.
A Call for Action
For Ms. McCready, promises are not enough.
“Until policies are properly changed, I wouldn’t recommend anybody join the Army because they protect themselves and not the soldiers.
That’s what happened to Jaysley.”
Her fight continues, as she hopes to prevent other young recruits from experiencing the same devastating consequences her daughter faced.
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