rotorcraig
Duracells should not leak & I think there's even a g'tee to cover equipment damage on the pack. The problem may well be with the mains adapter - I don't know the set, but I suspect it may charge the batteries at the same time as powering the set. Trying to recharge normal batteries is a bad thing that can lead to arching, sparking, death and destruction.
Lawyerboy
Don't rush off and buy a brand new scanner - there may well be 2nd hand items available in the club, ebay, pilot shops or radio shops. I was made an offer I couldn't refuse when asking about the best tcvr for a flightbag on this board. You never know who's reading. (NB mine is an Icom, working very well and not for sale!)