Coroner critical over Leon tragedy

A CORONER has raised concern over police involvement surrounding the tragic death of 15-year-old Leon Cudworth.

Leon’s body was found in an alleyway yards from his home in Ripponden Road, Oldham, after the teenager had succumbed to hyperthermia, exacerbated by alcohol after a night out with friends.

Coroner Lisa Hashmi said Leon’s death had been accidental but that the police search of the area wasn’t sufficient. Police were called to investigate reports of a woman screaming at around 3am but only partially searched the alley in which Leon’s body was found.

But the coroner said even a full search would probably have made no difference to Leon’s chances: “In all probability Leon had already succumbed and the outcome wouldn’t have been altered. But I believe the search was insufficient.”

Mrs Hashmi raised concern that the call to police had been graded outside the highest priority, despite reports of a woman screaming.

Det Ins Sarah Shackleton said there wasn’t enough information to suggest an immediate threat to life - but admitted the call handler failed to convey the distress in Ms Collins’s voice.

The inquest heard earlier that Leon had been drinking with friends from Kingsland School at the Junction in Ripponden Road until 9.30pm on Valentine’s night, before visiting other stores to buy alcohol to take to a party. He and his friends drank there then moved to Danielle’s Bar in Lees, where Leon was initially refused entry but later allowed in.

Leon was seen on CCTV leaving McDonald’s in Huddersfield Road at around 1am before being spotted again on Ripponden Road at 1.20am ,when he was said to be unsteady on his feet.

Leon’s body was found without his jacket the following morning.

Det Ins Anne Buckley said the premises that served Leon had all been spoken to regarding licensing laws.