The death of 19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck at Larkhill Camp in December 2021 has left her family and colleagues reeling. As the investigation into her death continues, disturbing details have emerged about the intense harassment she suffered at the hands of a superior, Bombardier Ryan Mason.
In the months leading up to her death, Jaysley received an astonishing 3,600 messages from Mason in November alone. Her mother, Leighann McCready, described the messages as “overwhelming” and “possessive.” Jaysley had repeatedly asked Mason to stop contacting her, but he continued to bombard her with messages, leaving her feeling “freaked out” and trapped.
The harassment took a significant toll on Jaysley’s mental health, which was already fragile following the suicide of her uncle in August 2020 and the end of a relationship. Her mother revealed that Jaysley had been struggling to cope with the pressure and had become increasingly withdrawn.
A draft text message found on Jaysley’s phone revealed the depth of her desperation. In the message, she pleaded with Mason to leave her alone, describing his behavior as “possessive and psychotic.” The message was never sent, but it provides a haunting insight into Jaysley’s state of mind in the days leading up to her death.
The investigation into Jaysley’s death has highlighted a disturbing pattern of harassment and bullying within the army. Her family and colleagues have spoken out about the lack of support and resources available to soldiers struggling with mental health issues.
As the inquest into Jaysley’s death continues, her family is seeking answers and justice. They hope that by sharing her story, they can raise awareness about the importance of supporting soldiers’ mental health and preventing harassment and bullying within the army.
