A WHITEHAVEN man who had been reported missing to police took his own life in the town’s harbour, an inquest heard.
Keith Anthony Robson, 61, was found on the beach by a dog walker on the morning of June 12, 2024.
After calling to him with no response, the dog walker called police at 10.51am when she realised that Mr Robson was dead.
A statement submitted to Cockermouth Coroner's Court by Acting Detective Inspector Greaves of Cumbria Police said upon examining Mr Robson, he noted he had suffered a 'significant head injury'.
The last sighting of Mr Robson was on CCTV footage, walking toward the harbour from the direction of his home at 10.12pm on June 11,
It said that a district nurse had raised a vulnerable adult concern for welfare alarm with police that morning as Mr Robson was not at home, where he lived with his 83-year-old mother, when she went to perform her daily check and administer insulin for his type 2 diabetes.
Statements from other mental health and nursing professionals involved in Mr Robson’s care said it was 'unusual' for him to leave the house.
According to a statement submitted by his brother Leslie Robson, Mr Robson had struggled at school as a teenager with mental health.
He said: "He tried to work through this at a younger age but as his mental health got worse he decided not to work."
His last occupation was reported to be an office worker for a recruitment company.
He mentioned that his brother had a history of suicide attempts, and was known to mental health services since 2019.
Mr Robson also said that his brother had suffered a stroke in 2021, which affected his mobility.
A mental health services statement said that Mr Robson reported a 'good childhood', but that he 'didn’t like being around too many people'.
He had been admitted to hospital on March 7, 2024, having reported taking an overdose of amitriptyline, an anti-depressant.
Mr Robson remained asymptomatic, and was discharged to his GP and adult social care, having declared willingness to engage with community mental health services.
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He had an assessment the following day, in which he reported struggling with anxiety and depression, and had his prescription medication and groceries delivered to the house.
He said that he did not take any illicit substances or drink alcohol, and had had no contact with police in the past.
It was reported that he was 'very reliant on his mother'. and had 'limited hobbies and interests'.
He denied any 'active plans' to end his life.
Mr Robson’s death was confirmed at 11.25am on June 12, 2024.
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Area Coroner for Cumbria, Ms Kirsty Gomersal said that a post-mortem examination found several head and chest traumas, and concluded that Mr Robson died as a result of multiple injuries, with no toxicological causes.
Ms Gomersal accepted the medical cause of death, and concluded Mr Robson died by suicide, due to a fall.
She said: "Keith did have a history of depression and anxiety that was medicated, and a history of deliberate self-harm, on occasion with intent."
She said that a note was found in Mr Robson's bedroom indicating thoughts of suicide, but that the date of the note was 'not clear'.
"The time of night in my view is relevant.
"It was unusual for Keith to leave the house and he was walking towards this area.
"The fact that Keith was carrying a torch may indicate some degree of planning."
Ms Gomersal accepted the medical cause of death, and concluded Mr Robson died by suicide, due to a fall from a cliff.
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