Army officer found not guilty of failing to properly deal with Jaysley Beck abuse claims

Army colonel Samantha Shepherd has been found not guilty of failing to properly deal with abuse allegations made by Gunner Jaysley Beck before her death.

Gunner Beck, 19, took her own life in December 2021 after being sexually assaulted by a superior, former senior non-commissioned officer Michael Webber.

The 43-year-old was jailed for six months by a military court in 2025 after pleading guilty to the assault.

An inquest into Gunner Beck’s death found that the incident and the army’s failure to take appropriate action “more than minimally” contributed to her death.

Colonel Shepherd faced a court martial at Catterick Garrison, which examined how she responded to Gunner Beck’s reporting of the sexual assault.

She pleaded not guilty to two charges of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline.

The first alleged 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 alleged that “on a date in July 2021, you misreported what you had been told by Jaysley Beck” to another person.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

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