In reply to Dave Perry:
"(5) THE GAPING GHYLL INCIDENT. CRADDOCK V (1) DR J A FARRER, (2) THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION, DATE OF ACCIDENT 25 JULY 1995, INQUEST 24 AUGUST 1995, VERDICT -ACCIDENTAL DEATH, LITIGATION COMMENCED 23 JULY 1998, JUDGEMENT GIVEN BY H H JUDGE APPLETON IN PRESTON, 17 NOVEMBER 2000. SUPPLIED BY JOHN GRANTHAM INSURANCE MANAGER, THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION
A Scout Group had organised a trip to visit the popular show cave at Gaping Ghyll. Some parents had gone along as additional supervising adults.
The party decided to eat their picnic lunch before undertaking the guided tour and walked a short distance up a footpath to some open land. One of the Scouts noticed a small cave opening across a stream and asked the Scout Leader for permission to explore it. The Leader refused permission, pointing out that caves could be dangerous. The Scout then moved away to where his father stood and repeated the request. His father, who had heard the leader's ruling, gave permission, provided his son with a cigarette lighter for illumination and accompanied him into the cave. A short distance inside, the Scout slipped and fell down a "chimney" leading into the main chamber of Gaping Ghyll. He fell 300 feet to his death.
The Father sued the Scout Association. His action was defended but the Judge found in favour of the claimant, stating that, as he was born in a city, he could not have been expected to recognise the dangers. He held that the Scout Leader should have prevented the father from entering the cave with his son and in failing to do so he breached his duty of care.
The Craddocks' older son continued as a member of the same Group for two years after the accident leaving when he reached 18 with his Chief Scout Award. The litigation did not commence until after he left."
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmconst/754/754w...