Jaysley Beck was a young woman who had enlisted in the British Army. She held the rank of Gunner in the Royal Artillery and became the victim of a sexual assault committed by Warrant Officer Michael Webber (43). Five months later, in December 2021, Gunner Beck was found dead in her barracks at Larkhill, Wiltshire.
Webber pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and was sentenced by the Court Martial to 6 months imprisonment. He will be on the sex offenders register for 7 years.
Further details of the case may be seen at BBC News 31 October 2025.
In February 2025, the Coroner concluded that -
- There was a failure on behalf of the Army to take action in relation to the harassment that Jaysley-Louise Beck was suffering at the hands of her immediate line manager
- There was a failure on behalf of the Army to take appropriate disciplinary action against a senior officer at whose hands she had suffered a sexual assault
The Coroner found that the State had arguably breached Jaysley's Article 2 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, referencing Middleton v HM Coroner for Western District of Somerset (2004) UKHL 10.
The Coroner went on to make two key determinations regarding systemic failings within the Army - see Doughty Street Chambers 20 February 2025.
On 31 October 2025 the government published Statements following the sentencing of Michael Webber. It was said that work was ongoing to make changes that will give service personnel the confidence they need to report sexual offences and inappropriate behaviours, knowing that they will be listened to.
It may be that, in due course, sentencing remarks will be published at Service Sentencing Remarks. The publication of remarks is not automatic. The Judge Advocate General determines whether remarks are to be published.
Nonetheless, it is worth noting that publication of such remarks assists public understanding of the reasons for particular sentences. Reasons will usually provide not only details of the particular offence(s) but will also address aggravating factors and mitigating factors.
Some Court Martial sentences in 2025
The following appear at Service Sentencing Remarks.
Squadron Leader Andrew Paul Crosby - sentenced in respect of four separate charges of disgraceful conduct of an indecent kind which is an offence exclusive to the Services. He pleaded guilty to the charges. 42 weeks imprisonment and dismissed from His Majesty's Armed Forces.
Flight Lieutenant Michael Alan Reeve - convicted after trial for two offences, an offence of rape and an offence of assault by penetration. Five years and six months imprisonment and dismissal from His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Lieutenant Samuel James Wyatt - one offence of making indecent images of children and an offence of possessing extreme pornographic images. On Charge 1 - dismissal from His Majesty’s
Service, 14 months' imprisonment suspended for two years, an unpaid work requirement of
240 hours, up to 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days. On the other charges - no separate penalty.
Notes / Links
The modern Court Martial was created by the Armed Forces Act 2006 section 154
Sentencing Guidance for the Service Courts
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