A former army officer who sexually assaulted Jaysley Beck – who took her own life following the attack – has been jailed for six months.
Warrant Officer Michael Webber launched himself on the 19-year-old gunner following an adventure training exercise in July 2021.
She was found dead at her barracks at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on 15 December 2021
An inquest ruled that “on the balance of probabilities” she had been sexually assaulted and the army’s failure to deal with the case contributed to her death.
Webber – who has left the army – pleaded guilty to sexual assault at the Court Martial Centre in Bulford on 5 September. Today (Friday), he was jailed for six months.
Judge Advocate General Alan Large Alan Large said: “”At some point in the early hours of July 13, you told Gunner Beck she was beautiful, you put your hand on the back of her head, you leant in to kiss her and you touched her thigh.
“She had the courage and good sense to tell you to stop and told you to go to bed, but you persisted to the extent she considered she wouldn’t be safe from you even if she went back to her own accommodation.”
After the inquest a MoD spokesperson said: “The Army has accepted the failings identified by the Service Inquiry and responded to the recommendations to improve Service life across its culture, policies, and practices.
“Our Armed Forces play a vital role in protecting the nation and a range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for our personnel, particularly for new recruits, and ensure that any concerns raised are listened to and swift, appropriate action is taken.”
It added there is “no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military.”
