Judge rejects attempt to overturn inquest verdict on Stockport scout’s death

Ben Leonard, 16, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, fell 200ft off a cliff while on a scout trip to north Wales in 2018. Photograph: Family Handout/PA

A high court judge has rejected an attempt by a scout leader and an assistant to overturn the findings of an inquest jury that concluded they were responsible for the unlawful killing of a 16-year-old boy who fell from a cliff during an expedition.

Ben Leonard from Stockport, Greater Manchester, became separated from his group during a hike in north Wales and fell about 60m (200ft) from a ledge, suffering a fatal head injury.