Scout Ben Leonard died in lower risk area, inquest told

The inquest of a 16-year-old scout who died during a hike has heard that the area was considered to be of lower risk.

In August 2018 Ben Leonard fell 200ft (60m) from the Great Orme in Llandudno, Conwy, sustaining "a significant head injury".

The jury was read evidence from Jess Kelly, the Scout Association's national safety manager.

It said it was "a 'downtime' activity" with "an element of hill walking".

However, she that while she was responsible for putting in place national policies and procedures, assessment of the trip would have been the responsibility of those organising it.

"Local implementation of the policies rests with the appropriate county district or group," she said.

The Reddish Explorer Scouts based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, had originally planned to visit Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, on the August Bank Holiday weekend in question.

But due to poor weather prospects a spontaneous decision was taken to walk up the Great Orme headland instead.

According to the Scout Association's official definition, the Great Orme was rated "terrain zero" - a location no more than 500m (1,640ft) above sea level and no more than 30 metres (about 100ft) from a road.

"The main area was not considered mountainous ground which required the use of hands for stabilisation," said Ms Kelly.

Her evidence said that, while the rules meant a minimum of two adults should accompany a group on such a trip, there was a total of three at Llandudno.

She said: "Best practice would be to write down a risk assessment, but we encourage dynamic risk assessments as plans change.

"If it's not written then it should be discussed with those involved so everybody understands what is involved".

She confirmed she had not seen a written risk assessment for the trip to Llandudno.

Ben and two friends had become separated from the main scout group while on the Great Orme and the decision to take another route uphill resulted in him slipping off a narrow ledge.

Scout leaders have already told the inquest they accept responsibility for Ben's death.

The hearing continues.