Jaysley Beck, a 19-year-old British soldier, was found dead at her base in Larkhill Camp, Wiltshire, in December 2021. An inquest revealed that she died by suicide after suffering relentless harassment and sexual assault during her service.
Beck had long dreamed of a military career and quickly earned respect in the Royal Artillery. But her dream turned into a nightmare when her line manager, Ryan Mason, sent her over 3,600 texts in one month, many obsessive in tone. In one unsent message, Beck wrote: “I honestly feel trapped… It’s possessive and psychotic.”
In addition, she had been sexually assaulted by Sergeant Michael Webber, who received only a minor reprimand and was told to write an apology letter.
In her final weeks, Mason’s behavior intensified, and Beck told a colleague she could no longer cope. Days later, she took her life.
The inquest concluded that the Army’s failure to act on her complaints contributed to her death. Beck’s story has reignited urgent calls for accountability and reform within the military.
