A teenager soldier, Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, tragically passed away in her barracks at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15, 2021, following a work party. Before her death, Gunner Beck lodged a complaint against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber, who allegedly pinned her down and tried to kiss her. Despite the incident, Mr. Webber received a minor sanction, with crucial details omitted, and subsequently, improper legal advice was provided, as revealed during an inquest.
During the inquest, Mr. Webber chose not to answer questions regarding the incident, citing legal counsel. Surprisingly, he was promoted to the Warrant Officer 1 rank in May 2022, despite the minor sanction received due to the incident involving Gunner Beck. However, Mr. Webber confirmed his decision to leave the Army in April of the same year, raising questions about accountability and consequences within the military.
The alleged sexual assault of Gunner Jaysley Beck by Michael Webber occurred at an adventure training exercise at Thorney Island in Hampshire in July 2021. Lance Bombardier Kirsty Davis testified that Gunner Beck was frightened and in tears after Mr. Webber attempted to kiss her and pinned her down despite her protests. Major Robert Ronz, tasked with determining consequences for Mr. Webber’s behavior, considered the incident to be in the realm of minor sanctions, leading to no formal investigation, as stated during the inquest.
Despite the mishandling of the incident by military officials, Colonel Samantha Shepherd adopted a victim-led approach to Mr. Webber’s disciplinary action to ensure Gunner Beck felt empowered and had a degree of control over the outcome. Additionally, revelations emerged during the inquest of Gunner Beck receiving numerous messages from a senior colleague, Bombardier Ryan Mason, characterized as “psychotic and possessive.” The inquiry also uncovered other factors contributing to Gunner Beck’s tragic death, including the strain of a sexual relationship with a married colleague, allegations of infidelity in previous relationships, and a problematic relationship with alcohol. The investigation continues to uncover the circumstances surrounding Gunner Beck’s untimely passing
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