Mum of Scout who died on trip in 1998 backs inquiry call

The mum of a boy who died on a scouting trip has joined calls for a public inquiry into the Scout Association.

Sharon Collins's 11-year-old son Scott Fanning died during a trip to Heywood in Greater Manchester in 1998.

Speaking after an inquest this week ruled Stockport teenager Ben Leonard had been unlawfully killed on a scouting trip to Llandudno, she said believed "nothing had changed".

The Scout Association has not responded to her claims.

Police could investigate whether the Scouts, which denies criminal action, perverted the course of justice.

Ms Collins said Scott had been "quite excited and felt quite grown up" about going on the Scouts trip in Heywood, Greater Manchester in May 1998.

He fell while on the trip and died shortly afterwards in hospital.

A coroner at the time found his death was "accidental" but recommended the Scouts conduct safety checks before walks.

Ms Collins told BBC Radio Manchester: "Initially we were of the understanding that nobody was to blame for what had happened.

"Over time we got snippets of information that led us to question what had gone on."

Ms Collins had concerns about a low ratio of adult helpers per scouts and their training.

She has since formed links with parents of other children who had died on scouting trips and reached out to Ben Leonard's family after he died in a fall from Llandudno's from Great Orme in 2018.

On Thursday, an inquest jury found a scout leader and his assistant were responsible for unlawful killing, and neglect by the Scouts contributed to his death.

The jury had earlier heard the organisation was also worried about "reputational damage".

Ms Collins said she was "absolutely horrified" about similarities between both boys' deaths.

"I was distraught to be honest and I just thought, you know, these other boys have died and nothing's changed.

"[The Scouts] have just got that same cavalier attitude about taking young children camping without even consideration about basic safety requirements."

She said she could "never, ever forgive The Scouts" for what had happened to Scott.

She said: "A public inquiry, I would suggest, is absolutely necessary.

"Somebody has to look at what's going on inside the Scout organisation because clearly there's a broken system within it."

Following Thursday's hearing, the Scouts repeated its apology to the Leonard family and said it was making changes.

It added safety was its "number one priority".

"We emphatically refute allegations made in court about any criminal action on behalf of the Scout Association," a spokesman said.

The Scouts declined to respond to Ms Collins' comments.

A government spokeswoman said: "Our deepest sympathies are with Ben's family and friends. Keeping young people safe should always be the first priority.

"As this is a live police matter we are unable to comment any further."

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