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Suicide verdict at Laxey harbour inquest

An inquest has heard how a Laxey man took his own life by jumping into the sea.

Seventy-nine-year-old Peter Brian Sumner, of Fairy Cottage, was taken to hospital in the early hours of April 26 after being rescued from the harbour.

He died there twelve days later, from pneumonia.

The inquest heard a dog walker found Mr Sumner lying on rocks near the harbour wall and called the emergency services.

Coroner of Inquests Alastair Montgomerie read a statement from Mr Sumner's wife, Joan, who said he suffered depression and had made several attempts to take his own life.

Mr Sumner, a retired insurance professional, suffered from Parkinson's disease and had difficulty coping.

CCTV footage showed him walking along the breakwater, climbing the chain link fence and jumping into the sea.

Mr Montgomerie thanked police for their efforts in rescuing Mr Sumner.

He recorded a verdict of suicide and offered his sympathies to his family.

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