Man died at Eastbourne cliffs

Grahame McGlue had attempted to take his life at Beachy Head three times previously, the court at Eastbourne Town Hall was told.

The 47-year-old from Dorchester had a long history of mental health issues, including personality disorder, his mental health nurse said in a statement.

Sussex Police had encountered Mr McGlue at Beachy Head on three separate occasions previously – September and December 2019, and March 2, 2020.

He had been sectioned under the mental health act following these incidents, the inquest heard.

Detective Sergeant Ross Bartlett was on duty at the time of Mr McGlue’s death on March 15, 2020.

That day there was another tragedy at the cliffs, as Mr McGlue was one of two men who died there.

A major emergency operation was launched after two bodies were spotted beneath the Belle Tout lighthouse, and the national police helicopter was scrambled to help recover them.

DS Bartlett said there was nothing to indicate the deaths were linked.

A serious incident report was conducted following Mr McGlue’s death, but coroner Alan Craze said it did not identify any measures which would have changed the outcome.

Mr Craze said, “He came to Eastbourne purely and simply with the intention of taking his own life the same way he tried to do three times beforehand.”

Reaching a conclusion of suicide, he expressed his condolences to Mr McGlue’s 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.

• Visit samaritans.org