Businessman who jumped from Eastbourne cliffs ‘not sufficiently supported’ by mental health services

John Dignan had a history of mental health issues, including PTSD and severe depression, the hearing at Eastbourne Town Hall was told.

A serious incident report was conducted by mental health services after the 51-year-old business analyst took his own life on November 15, 2019.

His wife of more than 20 years Karen Dignan described him in a statement as ‘easy going’ and ‘always up for a laugh with friends’.

But he had also struggled with his mental health for many years, she said.

A Beachy Head Chaplain witnessed Mr Dignan jump from the cliffs at around 12pm that day, the inquest heard.

The serious incident report said failings by NHS mental health services included omissions by a care coordinator which will be investigated further.

The report also said Mr Dignan died at a time of a major restructure of the service near his home in Soho, and this could have affected his treatment.

Assistant coroner James Healy-Pratt said, “It’s clear from the evidence he had long history of mental illness, previous serious suicide attempts and was being provided with some degree of support by mental health services.

“It’s clear his condition deteriorated and he wasn’t supported sufficiently by the services.

“It is tragic for him and his wife.”

Reflecting on the serious incident report, the coroner said, “This court is concerned with the obvious failings it highlights.

“It’s the view of this court Mr Dignan was not sufficiently supported by the mental health services, being charitable they might be described as sub optimal. “That lack of support was a causative factor to him taking his own life.”

He concluded Mr Dignan had taken his own life, but described it as a ‘potentially avoidable’ death.

The coroner expressed his condolences to the family.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the Samaritans may be able to help – the charity’s helpline number is 116 123.