Officers are facing accusations of failing to properly address a sexual assault complaint filed by a teenage soldier who later took her own life, a court martial heard.

Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, reported in July 2021 that a warrant officer had attempted to kiss her and touched her leg without consent. She disclosed the incident to Colonel Samantha Shepherd and Major James Hook, but according to prosecution testimony, her concerns were not taken seriously and she was pressured to withdraw her complaint.

The trial, held at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, revealed that Gunner Beck was found distressed in her car on July 13, 2021, during a military training exercise in Hampshire. Prosecutor Commander Paul Patterson stated that Beck had provided enough detail to indicate she may have been sexually assaulted. However, the prosecution argues that Major Hook, then a captain, failed to treat the report with appropriate seriousness, while Colonel Shepherd allegedly misrepresented the information she received.

Five months after reporting the alleged assault by Warrant Officer Michael Webber, Gunner Beck was found dead at her barracks in Wiltshire. The circumstances surrounding her death have generated considerable scrutiny regarding how complaints of sexual harassment and assault are handled within military ranks.

Both Colonel Shepherd and Major Hook face a single charge of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline, which they deny. The trial is ongoing.

Support services remain available for those affected by sexual assault or other distressing issues, with organizations such as Samaritans providing confidential assistance.