A boy scout from Stockport died after falling 200ft from a North Wales beauty spot. In a pre-inquest hearing into his death, a QC for three Scout leaders said there was “no evidence” that the death of 16-year-old Benjamin Leonard amounted to unlawful killing.
North Wales East and Central assistant coroner David Pojur said: “Nobody is on trial, not least the leaders.” However, he suggested there was a potential issue and the safest course would be for them to have individual legal representation, reports the Daily Post.
Benjamin Leonard, 16, of Thornley Road North, Stockport, died back in August 2018 after slipping on the Great Orme headland at Llandudno. He and two friends had become detached from other members of the Reddish Explorer’s Group before the fall.
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Coroner Mr Pojur will consider whether a new prevention of future deaths report is required. He has already made public a report highlighting 20 points of concern.
The coroner had claimed safety policies existed but weren’t implemented and he warned that the Scout Association had put youngsters’ lives “at risk.” Oliver Campbell QC, for the Scout leaders, said there was unlikely to be any evidence that would allow a conclusion of unlawful killing.
Ben Leonard died after falling from a cliff on the Great Orme
Toby Riley-Smith QC, representing the Scout Association, said it had produced 1,933 documents for the coroner. There were five million but a lot of “funnelling” had been done on behalf of the Association.
The QC told the coroner the Association was taking a “transparent approach.” He added: “We need to regain your trust and the trust of the family.” Mr Pojur said: “It’s not an inquiry into the Scout Association.”
Previously Mr Pojur said he would have to consider the individual roles of the Scout leaders as well as the responsibility of the Scout Association. It included planning of the trip and training of the leaders.
The full inquest is due to begin on November 2. The Leonard family will also be represented by a QC.
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