Soldier’s Supervisor Denies Obsession in Tragic Teen Death Case

A soldier, Jaysley Beck, died at Larkhill Camp in 2021. An inquest into her death is happening now. Her supervisor denies manipulating her. He says he did not force a close relationship.

Ryan Mason was Jaysley’s supervisor. He sent her many messages before she died. He quit the Army the same month she died. He called Jaysley energetic and spirited.

The coroner asked Mason about romantic feelings. He also asked if Mason declared love for her. Mason declined to answer both questions. The coroner warned him about self-incrimination.

The coroner asked about pressuring Jaysley. He referred to concerns about Mason’s mental health. He asked about potential suicide threats. Mason again declined to answer. Mason said he had mental health issues since childhood.

He also stated he had self-harmed in 2015. The coroner asked if unloading troubles was appropriate. Jaysley was 19 and Mason was of a higher rank. Mason declined again. The coroner asked if he asked Jaysley to sleep with him.

This allegedly happened at a hotel. Mason said no. The coroner inquired about an event on December 7. Mason, Jaysley, and another soldier stayed at a hotel. Jaysley left early after calling her parents.

She sounded scared, the inquest heard. The coroner asked if Mason entered Jaysley’s room. Did he touch her leg? Mason denied doing so. The inquest read a message Jaysley sent to Mason.

She felt trapped and uncomfortable. She said things crossed a line a long time ago. She struggled with her mental health. She stated she needed time out. The coroner asked if Mason knew he caused Jaysley stress. This was from constantly pursuing her. Mason refused to answer this question too.

Mason went home on December 8. Then, he quit the Army. The family’s lawyer questioned Mason about the many texts he sent. The coroner stopped this questioning, citing concern for Mason’s mental state.

The lawyer asked if Mason was obsessed. Was he possessive, jealous, and manipulative? Did he rejoice when she split with her boyfriend? Did he become more obsessive when things didn’t work? Mason declined to answer.

Mason knew about an alleged assault in July 2021. Jaysley was allegedly sexually assaulted by another soldier there. The lawyer asked if he still pursued her. Mason declined to respond again.

Jaysley Beck’s mother turned away from Mason during testimony. The hearing continues.