A media executive took his own life at Beachy Head after a long battle with manic depression, employment difficulties and the death of his ex-wife, a coroner's court heard today.

Described as a "very, very intelligent gentleman" by a friend, Maurice Carr, always known by his second name Desmond, went missing on Thursday, September 18.

His body was found two days later at the notorious suicide spot beneath the cliffs near Eastbourne.

Woking Coroner’s Court today held an inquest into the death of Mr Carr, 55, who lived in Ewell.

Assistant coroner Karen Henderson ruled that Mr Carr took his own life and died from multiple injuries. He left behind a suicide note, dated the day he went missing.

She said he battled depression for a long time: "But the recent, clearly devastating, events in his life meant it was one step too far."

She told friends and family sitting in the coroner’s court: "Mr Carr was a very much loved father, brother, friend and partner.

"It's a privilege to see so many people here today and I'm grateful for that. Clearly it's a very tragic occasion."

Mr Carr's GP Nigel Mckee said his low mood was worsened by financial problems, lack of regular work and the fact his ex-wife's died from cancer a few weeks earlier.

At his last appointment on Wednesday, September 10, the doctor said: "He said he said was feeling quite low and was finding it difficult to cope."

Mr Carr had a long history of manic depression and took antidepressants, but did not mention any suicidal thoughts to his GP.

Police Sergeant Thomas Dunn said in a statement that he was called to Beachy Head where coast guards were present and was told a person had gone over the edge.

Mr Carr was born in London and came from the Sussex area, but had lived in Ewell for a number of years.

He worked at an advertising company before joining Newsquest, which owns the Epsom Guardian, where he was well-liked.

He worked in London at Newsquest Direct for five years, an arm of the company which deals with inserts in newspapers. He left three years ago.

During a search for him in September, Rhys Hughes, an account director at the company, said: "Everyone really liked him. He is very, very intelligent, a gentleman.

"He is softly spoken and very educated. And has big red hair. He’s a pleasure to be around."

Have you been affected by this news?

The Mind charity promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Its helpline number is 03001 233 393. Alternatively call Mind in Kingston on 0208 255 3939.

To get in touch with the Samaritans in Leatherhead, call 01372 375555 or drop in at 7 Church Road, Leatherhead. Samaritans lend a confidential ear to those in distress.