Hospital cleaner from Bridport took own life (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Hospital cleaner from Bridport took own life

11:00am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News

A HOSPITAL cleaner from Bridport found dead in his car at a coastal beauty spot took his own life, a coroner has ruled.

Police discovered the body of Stephen Ronald Harding, 47, at Stonebarrow Lane in Charmouth on September 3 last year after being alerted by a member of the public.

PC Neil Gauden, who attended the scene, said the car was parked in an isolated location on land owned by the National Trust.

He said that Mr Harding, of Alexandra Road, Bridport, was clearly deceased by the time he arrived, adding that he also found two notes, made out to Mr Harding’s parents and friend Patricia Coombs, that indicated Mr Harding’s intention to take his own life.

Dorset Coroner Sheriff Payne said: “It would appear his actions were quite deliberate.

“He left notes which sadly were indicative that he intended to take his own life.

“The only verdict I can record is that he took his own life.”