Children’s groups in UK warned not to play games in the dark

LONDON - A Court of Appeal has warned children’s groups not to play games in the dark after it upheld a compensation award to a scout injured during night activities.

In the ruling, the court upheld a 7,000 pounds compensation payout to a former scout, who was injured during a game called Objects in the Dark.

The Scouts Association had urged the court to overturn the award, arguing it would make it harder to draw youngsters away from computer screens and televisions.

But Lady Justice Smith and Lord Justice Ward, dismissed their appeal, and ruled that Mark Barnes, of Castle Bromwich, West Mids, had been a victim of negligence and that playing the game in the dark had created an unacceptable risk.

The Scout Association, which had criticised the payout as a damaging example of the “nanny state”, was ordered to pay costs and was refused permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

“The safety of our members is our top priority and we will be considering the judgment in detail,” the Telegraph quoted a spokesman as saying. (ANI)