Bea Swallow
West of England

Gunner Beck reported that Webber had sexually assaulted her the morning after it happened, informing Captain James Hook.

Her inquest heard Captain Hook believed she was "generating an excuse" to leave the training exercise at Thorney Island because she did not like the physical activities.

Coroner Nicholas Reinberg determined Captain Hook put pressure on Gunner Beck to drop the allegations by pointing out the lack of witnesses and potential career ramifications for Webber.

Image source, Family Handout

The inquest heard a subsequent "miscommunication" through the chain of command meant details about Webber's attempt to physically touch Gunner Beck's leg were lost.

The incident was recorded as a minor sanction and was not reported to police for an official investigation, breaching the Army's own safeguarding policies.

Gunner Beck was never formally interviewed or asked to provide a written account of what happened.

Bea Swallow
West of England

In February, the British Army issued an apology to Gunner Beck's family, saying: "We could have, and should have, done more."

It came after the coroner found the Army's mishandling of the teenager's complaint against Webber played a "more than minimal contributory part" in her death.

Image source, PA Media

At the time Brigadier Melissa Emmett, head of the Army personnel services group, said: "We let her down in so many ways for which we have already apologised, and if I can apologise again, for what it's worth, I would do.

"Since Jaysley's sad death we have seen significant changes in the Army, including the introduction of clear and unequivocal policies to state that there will be zero tolerance to unacceptable sexual behaviours.

"There is more work to do, and the evidence heard in this inquest reminds us how important it is to make lasting and effective change."

A warning to our readers, some of the details in this case are distressing.

If you have been affected by these issues, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line.

Bea Swallow
West of England

A nine-day inquest into Gunner Jaysley Beck's death was held at Salisbury Coroner's Court in February.

Assistant Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg concluded the teenager took her own life following multiple failings and breaches of Army policy, including a failure to take appropriate disciplinary action against Webber.

Image source, Family Handout

He concluded "on the balance of probabilities" that Gunner Beck was sexually assaulted by Webber, and said it "should have been reported to police and the failure to do so breached Army policy".

Coroner Rheinberg determined the Army's handling of the complaint played "more than a minimal contributory part in her death".

He added the state had arguably breached Gunner Beck's right to life under the European Convention on Human Rights due to its failure to establish and enforce a robust framework of laws, precautions, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms to protect life.

Bea Swallow
West of England

The following timeline highlights events in the lead up to Gunner Beck's death which were examined during her inquest. They include unwanted advances by two of her colleagues.

• 5 February 2021: Gunner Beck began working on the corps engagement team (CET) at Larkhill alongside 10 other soldiers, managed by Bombardier Ryan Mason.

• 12 July 2021 - Webber, a Sergeant Major at the time, made a sexual advance towards Gunner Beck following an evening of drinking while on deployment for a training exercise.

• 13 July 2021 - Gunner Beck filed a complaint against Webber. He was subsequently given a minor sanction.

• 19 October 2021 - Mr Mason said he had feelings for Gunner Beck and desired a relationship.

• November 2021 - Mr Mason frequently called and texted Gunner Beck, seeking help for his mental health issues and expressing his unrequited love.

• 5 December 2021 - Gunner Beck texted Mr Mason saying his behaviour was "weighing her down" and she "could not handle it anymore". She was reluctant to report Mr Mason following the handling of the incident with Webber, the inquest heard.

• 7 December 2021 - Gunner Beck was picked up by a friend from an overnight training exercise because she felt unsafe in Mr Mason's company.

• 14 December 2021 - The CET was stood down for Christmas and threw a party to celebrate. Gunner Beck began the night in good spirits but soon became despondent.

• 15 December 2021 - The teenager's body was discovered in her room after no-one had heard from her all day.

Bea Swallow
West of England

Gunner Beck's mother Leighann McCready told BBC Breakfast in September that Webber's admission of guilt had brought little solace to the family.

In a statement, she said: "We are relieved that Michael Webber has finally admitted his guilt and spared us the trauma of yet more legal proceedings, but our devastation will never end.

"Nothing can undo the loss of our beautiful daughter. We believe with all our hearts she would still be with us today. She should never have been disbelieved."

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West of England

The family of Gunner Beck has arrived at Bulford Court Martial Centre in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Her father Anthony Beck (L) and mother Leighann McCready (C) were pictured holding hands as they walked into the court together for Webber's sentencing hearing.

Webber previously admitted sexually assaulting their daughter, who later took her own life.

Image source, Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Bea Swallow
West of England

Following the inquest into Gunner Beck's death, her family asked Wiltshire Police to consider pursuing criminal charges against Webber in light of the coroner's findings.

In June, police passed a file to the Service Prosecuting Authority which confirmed he would be charged with one count of sexual assault.

Image source, PA Media

He pleaded guilty to the charge at a pre-trial military court hearing on 5 September and will be sentenced later.

Military courts have jurisdiction over Army personnel and are empowered to determine the guilt of individuals subject to military law.

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West of England

Jaysley Beck, originally from Oxen Park in Cumbria, was a 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner in the British Army.

She was posted to Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on 3 August 2020 to serve in the 47th Regiment Royal Artillery Corps engagement team (CET).

Image source, Family Handout

"Everyone was very impressed by her," Lance Corporal Drew Tudor told her inquest. "She was a good member of the team and integrated really well."

Captain James Hook described the young woman as a “prime candidate" for the team with a "bubbly personality that really shone through".

Image source, Family handout

During the inquest Bombardier George Young, who joined the CET alongside Gunner Beck, described his friend as a "lively and outgoing character".

"She was very happy," he said. "She lit up any room, made friends easily, inspired people and was very confident."

Bea Swallow
West of England

The sentencing of a former sergeant major who sexually assaulted female soldier Jaysley Beck in July 2021 is due to start shortly.

The teenager had filed a complaint against Michael Webber, who was a Battery Sergeant Major at the time, but it saw no further escalation. Gunner Beck later took her own life at the age of 19.

The inquest into Gunner Beck's death in February found the Army's handling of the complaint played "more than a minimal contributory part in her death".

Image source, Ministry of Defence

Webber was subsequently promoted to Warrant Officer 1 rank in May 2022 - the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in the British Army. He has since left the Army.

In September this year, Webber pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault.

Webber's sentencing is due to begin shortly at the Court Martial Centre in Bulford, Wiltshire. We will bring you all the updates as they happen here.