19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck was found dead at her base after being harassed with ‘3600 texts in one month’ by her boss.
Beck died at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. An inquest has revealed the tragic events that ultimately led to her death.
The 19-year-old had dreamt of a military career from a young age. At just 16, she joined the army and quickly gained respect from her peers and superiors, demonstrating ethic and passion for her role in the Royal Artillery.
Not only was Beck described as a dedicated soldier, but her family has spoken of her character.
Her mother, Leighann McCready, described her as deeply compassionate and selfless. “She was just so loving, truly had a heart of gold, and would do anything for anyone,” she said. “She always put others before herself.
She was witty, mature beyond her years, and deeply passionate about her career. She was also a strong, devoted sister and an important part of our family.”
But the hopes and dreams this young gunner carried were shattered after she became the target of sexual harassment in her workplace.
In the months before her death, Beck confided in her family about relentless messages from her line manager, Ryan Mason.
During the inquest, her mother revealed that Beck no longer felt safe as the harassment escalated Mason sent her an overwhelming 3,600 messages in November 2021 alone.
In one message dated October 21, Mason wrote: “Love you, Jayse. As a friend.”
Just weeks later, on November 11, he texted: “You’re amazing, Jayse, I appreciate you so much. I love everything about you, even your flaws. I’ll always be here for you you’re stuck with me forever now. I love you as a friend. I love you.”
Beck had become increasingly disturbed by his relentless and invasive behavior.
Before her death, Beck had written an unsent message to Mason, revealing the emotional weight she was carrying:
“I honestly feel trapped in this whole situation. I’ve tried to act as normally as possible because we work together, but there is nothing normal about this.
It’s possessive and psychotic—you have to understand this isn’t normal behavior.Found dead
I’m struggling to cope with it all. It’s taking a serious toll on my mental health for many personal reasons. I need a break.”
The inquest also heard that Mason had written a 14-page document outlining his “feelings toward Jaysle” and had gone as far as booking hotel rooms next to hers during a work trip shortly before her death.
Tragically, the 19-year-old was not only subjected to Mason’s obsessive behavior—she was also sexually assaulted by another colleague.
The inquest heard that Gunner Beck had previously reported being sexually assaulted by Sergeant Michael Webber.
During a team-building trip in Hampshire in July 2021, Webber allegedly placed his hand between her legs. Traumatized and fearful, Beck chose to sleep in her car that night rather than return to her room.
Despite the seriousness of the allegation, Webber received only a minor disciplinary mark on his record and was required to write her an apology. Beck’s mother, Leighann McCready, said the letter left her daughter deeply unsettled—especially the final line, in which Webber told her his “door was open.”
As Beck continued to struggle, Mason’s obsessive behavior escalated. During a training exercise in Newbury on December 7, his conduct reached a breaking point.
Bombardier Young testified that Beck had called him in a state of panic. “She was trembling, crying, and in shock,” he recalled. “She said it had gone too far she couldn’t cope with being around Ryan anymore. His behavior had intensified. I believe he even tried knocking on her hotel room door.”
Just days later, Beck was found dead in her room.
The inquest concluded that the Army’s failure to act on the initial assault by Sergeant Webber significantly contributed to her tragic death.
