Inquest into death of Scout who fell from Great Orme paused

Benjamin Leonard, from Stockport, suffered fatal head injuries when he fell about 200ft after slipping from the Orme while on an Explorer Scouts trip on August 26, 2018.

Held at Manchester Civil Justice Centre, the third inquest into his death began on January 4, but the jury has not been present in court since last week.

Today (January 18), a case management hearing was told that the inquest will resume on Monday (January 22).

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Benjamin Leonard (Image: Family handout)

Brian Garraway, a group Scout leader who was a qualified first aider, who was believed by some to be going on the Llandudno trip but did not, is due to give evidence at the inquest on Monday.

The inquest is also expected to hear from Jess Kelly, the Scout Association’s national safety manager.

Since the inquest was paused, new legal representation has been appointed, and new interested parties have been listed.

Previously, the inquest was told there were three Scout leaders on the Llandudno trip - Sean Glaister, Gareth Williams and Mary Carr – but none were suitably qualified first aiders for the trip, a breach of Scout rules.

A hike up the Great Orme was also said to have not been adequately risk-assessed, meanwhile.

David Pojur, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, who is presiding over the inquest, said: “I understand the pressure that everybody is under.

“The focus has to be the collaborative effort… it’s such a long time since Ben passed.

“The most important thing is seeing this inquest through to conclusion.”

The inquest is expected to continue for another two to three weeks.