British military court clears senior Army colonel over handling of soldier abuse claim

The short version

• A court martial cleared Colonel Samantha Shepherd of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline regarding her response to abuse allegations from Gunner Jaysley Beck.[BBC News]
• Assistant Judge Advocate General Edward Legard directed the not guilty outcome after prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence for a safe conviction.[BBC News]
• Gunner Jaysley Beck took her own life in 2021 after being sexually assaulted by former Battery Sgt Michael Webber.[BBC News]
• The court-martial trial of co-accused Major James Hook over the handling of the report remains ongoing.[BBC News · The Guardian]

Key facts

• Colonel Samantha Shepherd was formally cleared of failing to properly address abuse allegations made by 19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck.[BBC News · The Guardian]
• Assistant Judge Advocate General Edward Legard instructed the board to deliver a not guilty verdict after the Crown cited insufficient evidence for a safe conviction.[BBC News · The Guardian]
• Beck took her own life at Larkhill Camp in 2021 after she was sexually assaulted by former Battery Sgt Michael Webber.[BBC News · The Guardian]
• Major James Hook faced the same charge of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline, and his trial continues.[BBC News · The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Colonel cleared over handling of soldier abuse caseBBC News - Top Stories
• Colonel cleared of not properly handling allegations by soldier who killed herselfThe Guardian - World