THE family of a teenager who fell 200ft to his death in Llandudno are “appalled” at the delays experienced in a full inquest commencing, a pre-inquest hearing was told.

Benjamin Leonard, of Thornley Road North, Stockport, was 16 when he slipped from the Great Orme while on a Scout trip on August 26, 2018.

A previous inquest into his death resulted in the jury being discharged in February 2020 after a matter of law arose.

At a pre-inquest hearing held remotely today (September 21), Sophie Cartwright KC, counsel to the inquest, said that the provisional starting date for the full inquest is January 4, 2024.

It is due to be held in Manchester to accommodate Benjamin’s family.

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Today’s hearing was arranged to deal with matters relating to objections to legal professional privilege (LPP) -  confidential communications between a lawyer and client.

Brief extracts from an independent review of material are to be re-considered.

Bernard Richmond, representing Benjamin’s “exhausted” family, said: “We are somewhat appalled at the delay which has occurred

“We don’t understand why there is a document not seen by Mr Atkinson (compiling an independent review) which is now suggested that he should see.

“Why is it only today that it is suggested it goes to Mr Atkinson? We are frankly disappointed, to say the least.”

David Pojur, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, presiding over the inquest, said that all witnesses will appear at the full inquest in person.

“It is important that we keep momentum and focus, so that we can have an effective hearing,” he said.