Elmer woman found at beach after drowning

Jean Johnson (63), of Stable Field, Elmer, was found lying on the shore next to some clothes which had been turned inside out.

She was pronounced dead at the scene on July 2 this year. She had a fear of water after a traumatic childhood experience.

Mrs Johnson had been worried about a foot operation due to take place a week after her death, but was last seen '˜laughing and joking' with a friend in her garden.

At an inquest at Chichester County Court, Detective Sergeant John Witt, who was investigating the case, said: 'There were two officers present at Climping beach when I arrived there and a coastguard.

'There was a handbag placed on top of the beach groyne, which looked like it had been placed deliberately.

'There were two half bottles of Scotch whisky in her handbag. There were no obvious signs of traumatic injuries.'

Mrs Johnson's family were left surprised at how she got to Climping beach, because she had difficulty walking.

A letter was found addressed to her three daughters and after opening it on the night their mother disappeared, the three knew that she had committed suicide by drowning herself after reading the first paragraph.

Pension money had also been given to one of her daughters to be cashed at the bank.

No drugs were found in her body after she died but there was 20mg/ml of alcohol in her blood.

West Sussex Coroner David Skipp said: 'She was described as being a worrier. She was found on the beach, having got somewhere which normally would have been impossible for her to reach. I don't know how she got there. I offer my condolences and I hope you can come together as a family.'

Dr Skipp recorded the verdict that Mrs Johnson had taken her own life.