Army officers deny charges over soldier who took her own life after sexual assault

Two senior Army officers have denied charges brought following the death of a young soldier who took her own life after a sexual assault by a superior.

The officers are facing allegations over their handling of information before Jaysley Beck was found hanged in her barracks in Larkhill Camp, Wiltshire, in 2021.

Colonel Samantha Shepherd and Major James Hook appeared at the Military Court Centre at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, by video-link on Wednesday, where they both denied "conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline".

Former senior non-commissioned officer Michael Webber, 43, was jailed for six months by a military court last year after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting Gunner Beck five months before her death.

An inquest into the 19-year-old's death found the incident and the Army's failure to take appropriate action "more than minimally" contributed to her death.

On Wednesday, Shepherd pleaded not guilty to two charges of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline.

The first alleges that "on 13 July, 2021, and thereafter, you did not report the commission of an alleged sexual assault to the service police in respect of a suspect within the regiment of which you were regimental colonel".

The second alleges that "on a date in July 2021, you misreported what you had been told by Jaysley Beck" to another person.

Hook pleaded not guilty to one charge of the same offence.

This alleges that "on 13 July 2021, you did not treat information passed to yourself by Jaysley Beck in a manner consistent with its seriousness".

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Judge Adjutant General Alan Large told the defendants they will go on trial on 14 September, but it has not yet been decided whether the five-day hearing will be at Catterick or at Bulford Camp in Wiltshire.

A further case management hearing will be held on 23 June.

The judge was told Hook is serving with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and Shepherd, who appeared from the US, is serving with the British Defence Staff in the country.

A number of Gunner Beck's family were on the link listening to the 20-minute hearing.

Her mother, Leighann McCready, has described her daughter as a "kind, caring, and truly loved by everyone who knew her".

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

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