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16
Mar
‘Jaysley was infectious’, friend and ex-Harrogate Army Foundation College recruit says
This story is the second of a two-part series. The first article was published yesterday. Today, Claire describes what Jaysley was really like and we cover the lead up to her death.
In the wake of Jaysley Beck's death, the Stray Ferret wanted to speak to those who knew her to find out what she was really like.
Jaysley took her own life at her barracks in Wiltshire in December 2021. It followed a prolonged period of harassment by a bombardier at the base, as well as the army’s failure to act on a sexual assault report made by Jaysley.
Her inquest, which concluded last month, attracted national media attention, and now those at the centre of the case are sharing their stories about Jaysley and what happened in the lead up to her death.
Claire (pseudonym) said her time at Harrogate Army Foundation College was “an emotional rollercoaster”, but one overwhelmingly positive takeaway was meeting Jaysley.
“She was just the life and soul of the party. Everyone wanted to be her friend – she was just infectious", Claire says.
Jaysley didn’t really have a bad side; she was never involved in drama; she was always known for having such a good relationship with her family.
It was bizarre, hearing what had happened, because she was just the last person you’d have thought it would happen to.
It's clear Jaysley touched many people during her life – and now in her death – Claire included.
Claire said Jaysley "had her demons" and struggled to open up to others about her feelings – describing her as more of a "class clown" character.
As reported in yesterday's article, Claire was consistently articulate and contained when speaking to the Stray Ferret. But, when talking about her late friend, she became understandably emotional.
Claire likened Jaysley to late Hollywood actor and household name, Robin Williams:
She just brought so much joy to so many people, just like Robin Williams did.
You’d struggle to find a video or a photo where she isn’t smiling or having a laugh with someone. She’s such a smiley person, and that’s what makes me so sad because that’s what the army does to you – it breaks you down and turns you into a completely different person. It’s not nice to see that’s happened to someone.
Claire said she and Jaysley drifted apart when they moved to different regiments – occasionally sending each other messages or photo memories.
She told the Stray Ferret she knew Jaysley was going through a “s*** time” in the lead up to her death, but she was not aware of the extent of it.
Jaysley Beck and her mum. Credit: Centre for Military Justice.
Relationship with George Higgins
George Higgins, who was an instructor at Harrogate AFC and eight years Jaysley’s senior, sparked a romantic relationship with Jaysley after she left the college.
A record of of the inquest says there had been rumours of the two becoming a couple during Jaysley's time at the college.
Higgins, who has since left the army, declined to tell the court when the relationship started but Claire believes the two were just friends whilst Jaysley was at the college:
I know it wasn’t something that had turned into a relationship until we’d left Harrogate – they weren’t in a relationship whilst we were in phase one. Their friendship developed whilst she was there and, when she left, it turned it to more. I couldn’t really give a timeline on it.
Although Higgins was not the girls’ section commander, Claire said sexual relationships between instructors and recruits were particularly frowned upon – but not for the right reasons.
It’s frowned upon because they see it as you’re sleeping with your direct manager, so he can get you promotions. Not because they could be sleeping with a minor.
But it’s the exact same in the field army and you’re 18+ – that’s how you know it’s wrong – because it’s frowned upon for the same reasons even when you’re an adult. You would get the same repercussions at Harrogate or in the army.
Jaysley Beck. Credit: Centre for Military Justice
The lead up to Jaysley's death
Jaysley ended her relationship with Higgins around spring of 2021 due to him being unfaithful, but the two got back together shortly after.
They broke up again in November 2021 - just a month before Jaysley's death – but a record of the inquest said they "remained friends".
Jaysley was bombarded with thousands of messages and voicemails from her line manager at the time, Bombardier Ryan Mason.
She also filed a complaint against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber after he "pinned her down" in July 2021.
Lance Bombadier Kirsty Davis told the inquest Jaysley, who called Bombadier Davis more than 20 times after the incident, claimed Webber tried to kiss her. Jaysley repeatedly pushed him away before Webber pinned her down.
Jaysley was so frightened for her safety she spent the night in her car, the record of the inquest says.
The coroner found there were "two influences of equal significance which probably bore on Jaysley’s decision to end her life". One of those was the "turmoil in relation to her relationships" and the coroner cited Higgins' infidelity.
However, the coroner concluded Jaysley was subjected to a prolonged period of harassment from Mason. Senior officers recognised this was harming Jaysley, but they did not report it.
"This was a systemic failure", the coroner said.
The coroner also found there was a systemic failure on behalf of the state to effectively deal with a complaint made by Jaysley following a sexual assault.
'There is no place for abuse in the military'
The Stray Ferret put Claire's allegations, including claims of misogyny and sexual harassment being systemic problems in the British Army, to the Ministry of Defence.
You can read the response in yesterday's piece by clicking here.
Following Jaysley's inquest, the Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, said:
Our thoughts remain with Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her. I acknowledge what has been said in this inquest and the Army will now reflect on the evidence heard and the failings identified to learn lessons from the Coroner’s findings.
The Army has accepted the failings identified by the Service Inquiry and responded to the recommendations to improve Service life across its culture, policies, and practices. Our Armed Forces play a vital role in protecting the nation and a range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for our personnel, particularly for new recruits, and ensure that any concerns raised are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken.
Let me be clear: There is no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military. This Government has stepped up efforts to bring about crucial reform and provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system. We will honour Jaysley’s legacy by ensuring this is done in the shortest possible time and in the most effective manner.
Anyone – military or civilian – who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact our confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, which is available 24/7.
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