Statements following the conclusion of Colonel Shepherd and Major Hook's Court Martial
Statements from the Defence Secretary and the Army, in response to today’s proceedings at Catterick Military Court, in the case of Major James Hook and Colonel Samantha Shepherd.
Defence Secretary Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP said:
No family should have to go through the loss that Jaysley-Louise’s family are having to deal with every single day. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. I commend the bravery and determination they have shown in pursuing the change needed in our Armed Forces.
Every person who serves in our Armed Forces is owed a duty of care, and all have a responsibility to uphold standards of behaviour befitting the uniform they wear.
The Army has accepted all of the findings identified by the Service Inquiry and responded to the recommendations to improve Service life across its culture, policies, and practices.
While significant reforms have been introduced since Jaysley-Louise’s tragic death, including commissioning the first-ever Armed Forces sexualised behaviour and sexual harassment survey, appointing the first Armed Forces Commissioner, and strengthening the Victim Witness Care Unit and Defence Serious Crime Command, there is more to do.
I am deeply committed to improving how complaints and crimes are reported and investigated. Service personnel must have confidence that unacceptable and criminal behaviour will be tackled, that concerns will be acted upon, and that they will be supported when they come forward. Jaysley-Louise’s family have my commitment that I will continue to drive the changes needed to ensure every voice is heard.
I encourage anyone who has experienced a sexual offence to seek support and report it. Information on reporting options, specialist support services and help available within and outside Defence can be found on the Defence support: sexual offences guidance on GOV.UK.
Brigadier Melissa Emmett, Head of Army Personnel Services Group (APSG), speaking on behalf of the Chief of the General Staff and the Army, said:
To Jaysley-Louise’s family, we remain deeply sorry for the circumstances surrounding her death, and reiterate my and the Army’s deepest condolences to you, her family, and to her friends.
The conclusion of this independent court martial brings the legal process in this case to an end., We recognise the impact that this process has had on all those involved and that there is no outcome that will lessen the profound loss Jaysley-Louise’s family continues to live with every day.
In the years since Jaysley-Louise’s untimely death, the Army has acted on the findings of the service inquiry, the inquest, and subsequent investigations as we seek to drive improvements to our culture. We are raising expectations of behaviour, strengthening leadership at every level, and improving the way concerns are reported and addressed. Our focus is on creating an environment where people feel confident and safe to speak up, where reports of unacceptable or criminal behaviour are taken seriously, and where prompt and appropriate action follows.
Those personnel who have been subject to these proceedings will continue to receive all appropriate support and must be enabled to return to duties as serving members of the Army.
We are determined to build a culture founded on respect, trust and accountability, and to continue our work to stamp out abuse and unacceptable behaviour affecting our people. We encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of a crime to report it to the police.