Llandudno, Wales has been the backdrop of a tragic incident that shook the community back in August 2018. Sixteen-year-old Ben Leonard from Reddish, Stockport, lost his life after falling an alarming 200ft from a cliff during a Scout trip on the Great Orme. The devastating event not only ended the life of a promising student who had just received positive GCSE results but also left his family grappling with grief and seeking justice for what they believed was a preventable tragedy.
Despite the passage of over six years since Ben’s untimely death, his family still feels a sense of injustice as they believe that those held responsible for the incident have not acknowledged their role in the matter. The tragic loss of Ben was met with scrutiny during a two-month inquest at the Manchester Civil Courts of Justice, where a jury concluded that Ben was unlawfully killed due to negligence from the most senior Scout Leader, Sean Glaister, and an assistant Scout leader, Mary Carr, along with the neglect of The Scout Association.
The family’s anguish did not end with the inquest findings, as Mr. Glaister and Ms. Carr sought a judicial review of the conclusions, prolonging the emotional ordeal for Ben’s loved ones. Following a recent ruling by Mr. Justice Fordham on January 30, the family’s hopes for accountability were reaffirmed as the appeal to review the inquest’s findings was dismissed. Jackie, Ben’s mother, expressed her frustration, stating that the Scout Association has not fully acknowledged the facts surrounding her son’s death, prolonging their suffering and sense of powerlessness in the face of institutional resistance.
The inquest shed light on the lack of effective leadership and risk assessment during the Scout trip, highlighting a series of oversights that ultimately led to Ben’s fatal fall. The jury’s conclusion of unlawful killing by the Scout leaders and The Scout Association’s neglect prompted a call for police investigation into potential conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Despite apologies from The Scout Association during the inquest, the family faced challenges from the organisation, including attempts to shift blame onto Ben and initial reluctance to accept responsibility.
Jackie Leonard’s advocacy for improved safety measures within the Scouts is driven by her desire to prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies. Collaborating with families who have also lost loved ones under Scout supervision, Jackie emphasises the need for external regulation to ensure the safety and well-being of children participating in Scouting activities. The Scout Association has asserted its commitment to enhancing safety policies and procedures, underlining its dedication to preventing future incidents through continuous improvement and transparency.
The tragic loss of Ben Leonard serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accountability and vigilance in ensuring the safety of young people participating in group activities. The relentless pursuit of justice by his family reflects a broader call for increased oversight and responsibility within organisations overseeing youth programmes. As communities come together to mourn the loss of a promising young life, the legacy of Ben Leonard reverberates in the ongoing quest for transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children and teenagers in group settings.