The mother of a teenage soldier, who is believed to have taken her own life after a campaign of sexual harassment by her army line manager, has told Sky News of her anger at the treatment of her daughter.
A military investigation has found that the relentless sexual harassment of Gunner Jaysley Beck by her boss was “almost certain” to have been a causal factor in her death at the Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021.
The behaviour towards the 19-year-old Royal Artillery soldier had continued for two months and ended a week before her death, according to the report of the investigation published on Wednesday.
Her line manager, a bombardier who has not been named, sent 1,000 WhatsApp messages and voicemails to her in October. The number increased to 3,500 in November.
The investigation, known as a service inquiry, concluded the harassment from her line manager “left her in a very fragile state from which she appears not to have recovered”. Her family said they saw a “change in her tone”.
The report said that Gunner Beck was afraid of reporting the behaviour of the line manager “as she feared she would be seen as a serial troublemaker, having previously reported an incident of unwarranted sexual behaviour” by a senior officer.
Her mother, Leighann McCready, said: “I’m left feeling angry and not able to say a great deal. Who is listening to us? Is it us against the military? It shouldn’t be. This was our daughter, we knew her, to the point that it was us that raised our concerns to the military.
“Sadly, I don’t feel there’s enough support for soldiers.”
When some of the harassment of Jaysley was reported, not by her but by someone else, mistakes in the disciplinary process meant her manager was given only a minor sanction. The investigation accepted that this has probably discouraged her from reporting other incidents.
Witnesses told the inquiry inappropriate behaviour by male soldiers towards female ones was “commonplace amongst a significant minority” with women, routinely, receiving “vile and degrading” comments, while socialising.
Following the publication of the report, an army spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“The army has endorsed all 18 recommendations in the Service Inquiry report, 15 of which have already been actioned. The reminder will be actioned by the end of December 2023, as part of our absolute commitment to improving and the safety of our people.
“The circumstances surrounding Gunner Beck’s death, including the cause, are still to be determined by the coroner. It would be inappropriate to comment further until the coroner’s inquest has been completed.”
Jaysley’s family say they have heard from other soldiers, male and female, who have been victims. Leighann has pledged to support them in her daughter’s memory.
“It won’t bring her back, but if there’s anything I can gain from this, I will support any soldier that needs support.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
