Scout leaders unlawfully killed boy who died in Llandudno

Ben Leonard, 16, of Stockport, suffered fatal head injuries when he fell about 200ft after slipping from the Great Orme on August 26, 2018.

The jury concluded that Ben's death was due to unlawful killing by the Explorer Scout leader and assistant Explorer Scout leader.

In addition, the 10-person jury concluded today (February 22) that the neglect of The Scout Association as an organisation also contributed to Ben’s unlawful killing.

These conclusions followed a seven-week inquest into his death, held at Manchester Civil Justice Centre.

Neither leader Sean Glaister assistant leader Mary Carr were in attendance to hear the jury's findings, while some of Ben's loved wept as they were read out.

Ben had underwent a circumcision shortly before the trip to North Wales, which caused him some discomfort while walking.

It was because of this discomfort that he tried to find his way back down the Orme - at the time, he and two friends were out of view of all three of the Scout leaders.

None of the leaders knew about the procedure Ben had underwent, while Ben also did not have a “route card”, directing him where to walk on the Orme.

All three of the leaders - Mr Glaister, Gareth Williams and Ms Carr – were not suitably qualified first aiders for the trip, a breach of Scout rules.

Brian Garraway, a group Scout leader who was a qualified first aider, was believed by some to also be going on the trip, but did not.

The Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), meanwhile, was not checked by Mr Glaister when he planned the trip.

None of the leaders were suspended from their respective duties in the aftermath of Ben's death, nor was a serious incident review carried out by The Scout Association.

Ms Carr said she was “floored” by Ben's death, saying: “It’s something I carry with me every day.”

Ben's medical cause of death has been ruled by the jury as head injury.