Well-known photographer, Keith Morris, killed himself after being arrested over sexual offence allegations

A well-known photographer who killed himself in October 2019 was arrested weeks before his death on suspicion of serious sexual offences.

An inquest at Aberystwyth Justice Centre heard how Keith Morris' body was discovered a week after he had been questioned by police over the allegations.

Keith Morris was reported missing by his wife on October 4 and his body was found a day later on a beach in Aberystwyth.

The photographer's body was found by a passerby in the sea at Borth near Aberystwyth.

A statement from the 61-year-old's wife, Gillian, was read by the coroner. In it Mrs Morris said that after his arrest and release on bail, her husband had researched online the impact his arrest and any subsequent charges might have on his family.

She also said that he had told her it would make life easier for them if he were no longer around.

The day Mrs Morris reported him missing, she had returned home to find an apology note where the photographer asked his family not to forget him.

She said that when she found the note, she "knew then he had gone."

The note, written in Welsh, also said Mr Morris had gone for a walk and was sorry.

A video was also found on a mobile phone in the house where Mr Morris can be seen apologising again and talking about the love he has for his family.

The police received a complaint of sexual offences against Mr Morris in April 2019. He was then arrested and questioned on September 26.

He denied the allegations and was released on bail and under investigation.

A witness said they had seen the photographer walking off the coastal path at Clarach at about 4:30pm on Thursday, October 3. Andrew Sanderson said they had exchanged pleasantries and Mr Morris' demeanour had given him no cause for concern.

A post-mortem found Mr Morris had suffered serious injuries and had probably been alive when he went into the water.

The coroner rejected a suggestion he had fallen into the sea off the cliffs and believed the injuries were caused by waves during the 24 hours or more he had been in the water.

The coroner ruled that the cause of death was drowning.

Concluding that Keith Morris killed himself, Mr Brunton said he had been under "great stress and enormous strain".