Open verdict on woman who plunged down cliff

June Hetherington, 51, of Thirlmere Drive, Skelton, east Cleveland, was discovered at the base of the 475ft Hunt Cliff, in Saltburn, east Cleveland, on August 25.

She died from multiple fractures.

During an inquest on Teesside yesterday, the court heard that Ms Hetherington had been admitted to St Lukes Hospital, in Middlesbrough, in January.

She was discharged in May and was following a home care programme.

Dr Helen Oatway said Ms Hetherington had separated from her husband in 1994 after 21 years of marriage.

Since her divorce, she did not have any interests or friends and developed physical symptoms of schizophrenia, including thought disorder.

When she was discharged from hospital, Ms Hetherington was receiving regular support and assistance, particularly with financial debts, which had exceeded £8,000.

Her daughter, Nicola Porritt, visited her mother on the morning of August 25 after becoming concerned for her well-being.

She said Ms Hetherington seemed agitated and was anxious for her to leave.

Two hours later, Ms Porritt left and rang a duty care worker to say she was concerned about her mother.

A care worker arrived at Ms Hetherington's home shortly afterwards and found the deeds to her house and her cat's pedigree certificates on the worktop.

Ms Hetherington's body was discovered at the base of the cliff at about 2.30pm. She had a name badge pinned to her clothing.

Coroner Michael Sheffield said: "It is clear from the evidence that her daughter, Nicola, could not have done more to help her on August 25.

"Not only did she go to the house, but she then called up for help and also went looking for her."

Mr Sheffield said no one had seen what had happened to Ms Hetherington when she was at the top of the cliff.

He added: "Something else could have caused her to slip or fall when she was deliberating what to do.

"As it cannot be said with complete certainty that she intended to jump, I have to record an open verdict."