UK
Teenage soldier Jaysley Beck found dead on military base had complained of ‘psychotic’ boss, inquest hears
A teenage soldier who was found dead at a military camp felt “trapped” by the “possessive and psychotic” behaviour of her army line manager, an inquest has heard.
Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on 15 December 2021.
A military inquiry report published in October 2023 described “an intense period of unwelcome behaviour” and said it was “almost certain this was a causal factor” in the 19-year-old’s death.
An inquest into her death heard Gunner Beck received thousands of messages from Bombardier Ryan Mason in a single month and his behaviour was “freaking her out”.
Her mother, Leighann McCready, described how her daughter “did not feel safe” as the situation involving Mr Mason intensified.
The Salisbury hearing was shown a series of WhatsApp messages between Gunner Beck and Mr Mason between October 2021 and December 2021.
Leighann McCready told the inquest her daughter did not feel safe
In one message to Gunner Beck, on 21 October, Mr Mason wrote: “Love you Jayse. As a friend.”
On 11 November, he wrote: “You’re amazing Jayse, I appreciate you so much, I love everything about you, even your flaws.”
On 25 November, Gunner Beck wrote to Mr Mason, telling him the situation was “becoming a bit too much” and “weighing me down”.
She added: “Totally honest here, I just don’t want to hear how you feel about me.”
Ms McCready said her daughter had received 3,600 messages from Mr Mason in the month of November – and Gunner Beck had expressed fears he was watching her.
She added her daughter had phoned her on 7 December when she was staying in a hotel in Newbury for work.
Gunner Beck was “upset and crying” and was “afraid something would happen,” Ms McCready said.
“Ryan was freaking her out,” she added.
Gunner Jaysley Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire
‘It’s not normal behaviour’
The inquest was shown a draft text message that Gunner Beck had planned to send Mr Mason.
It said: “I honestly feel trapped in this whole situation, I have tried to act as normal as possible because we are working together but nothing normal about this situation.
“It’s possessive and psychotic, you have to understand it’s not normal behaviour.
“I am struggling to deal with all of this, it’s taking a huge toll on my own mental health for many personal reasons. I need time out.”
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The inquest was also told that Gunner Beck had complained of being assaulted by a sergeant who put his hand “between her legs” while on a team-building stay at Thorney Island, near Emsworth, Hampshire, in July 2021.
The hearing continues.
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.