AN EMPLOYEE of The Scout Association has been referred to North Wales Police for the force to investigate whether they have perverted the course of justice.

Coroner David Pojur, who oversaw the inquest into the death of Ben Leonard, who died aged 16 on August 26, 2018 when he fell from the Great Orme on an Explorer Scouts trip, has made this referral.

A jury concluded today (February 22) that Ben's death was due to unlawful killing by the trip's Explorer Scout leader and assistant Explorer Scout leader.

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

Mr Pojur, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, has also referred The Scout Association as a whole to North Wales Police regarding perverting the course of justice.

The employee who has been referred to the force by Mr Pojur cannot be named.

Speaking after the conclusion of the inquest, Sgt Paul Terry, of North Wales Police, has given a statement.

Sgt Terry gave evidence at the inquest on two occasions.

He said: "This has been an extremely long and painful journey for Ben’s family and it is testament to them how they have conducted themselves over the many years that this has been ongoing.

"They have lost a talented, funny, kind, and thoughtful young soul and our thoughts remain with them today."

Det Supt Sion Williams added: "Our heartfelt condolences are with Ben’s family today.

"Their love for him is perfectly clear, as is the acute pain of their loss.

"During the inquest into Ben’s death, another matter has been referred to North Wales Police by the coroner.

"We are now reviewing the details of that referral and are therefore unable to comment any further at this stage."

After two previously aborted hearings, the inquest into Ben’s death lasted seven weeks, and was held at Manchester Civil Justice Centre.