Calls for Army college inquiry after reports of rape and abuse

An MoD report last year found that 67% of women in the armed forces had experienced at least one sexualised behaviour in the previous 12 months, compared to 34% of men.

Last year, an ex-army sergeant major was jailed for six months for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old soldier, who later took her own life.

Warrant Officer Michael Webber, 43, pinned down Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck and tried to kiss her in July 2021. She was found dead five months later in her barracks at Larkhill, Wiltshire.

The inquest into her death ruled the sexual assault and the Army’s failure to take appropriate action “more than minimally” contributed to her taking her life.

Jaysley’s mother, Leighann McCready, told BBC Breakfast Jaysley was 19 when she reported what happened to her chain of command, but she was “disbelieved” and branded “a female trouble maker”.

“This is the problem that soldiers are facing – what they are going to be branded afterwards,” her mother said.

“If a junior solider can follow their policies and procedures then those above should do exactly the same. Had they had done, I believe our daughter would have still been alive”, she added.

AFC remains committed to creating a professional, supportive, and safe environment for all recruits, the Army said.

It added: “Any suggestion otherwise contradicts the values of respect and inclusivity that we stand for.”

If you have more information about this story, you can reach Sima by email at Sima.Kotecha@bbc.co.uk