Coroner Links Teenage Soldier's Death to Sexual Assault and Harassment in Army

Jaysley Beck's inquest reveals systemic failures in handling sexual misconduct, prompting calls for independent military oversight.

Nineteen-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck died by suicide in December 2021 after enduring sexual assault and relentless harassment from senior colleagues.
A coroner concluded that the Army's mishandling of Beck's sexual assault complaint against Battery Sgt Maj Michael Webber played a significant role in her death.
Beck was also harassed by Bombardier Ryan Mason, who sent her thousands of inappropriate messages and manipulated her by threatening self-harm.
The Army has acknowledged failures in Beck's case and has since implemented changes, including anonymous hotlines and removing the chain of command from complaint processes.
The inquest has sparked broader revelations of abuse within the military, with female soldiers sharing accounts of harassment and assault, leading to renewed calls for independent oversight of military complaints.