A poet who ‘worshipped the sun’ fell to his death after being diagnosed with a skin condition that meant he could no longer sunbathe, an inquest has been told.

Scott Hastie, 71, who published five volumes of poetry, had struggled to adapt to life in Bournemouth after moving to the south coast with his wife Maureen in late 2022 to spend their retirement.

The grandfather-of-four, who was also a respected local historian in his previous life in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, saw sunbathing on his balcony as source of ‘pleasure’.

But a diagnosis of solar keratoses, which causes scaly patches of skin caused by sun damage, meant the poet was advised to stay out of the sun.

This left Mr Hastie ‘bereft’, according to his wife of 50 years.

Three days after the GP appointment that provided the diagnosis, Mr Hastie told his wife he was going for a walk while she went swimming.

Her concerns grew when he did not return and she called 999, prompting a missing person’s search.

Mr Hastie had gone to the beauty spot of Old Harry Rocks near Swanage and threw himself from the 120ft cliff.

While on the edge of the cliff, a member of the public who spotted him stood on the edge asked if he was ok and in a four word reply, he said: ‘It’s a beautiful view.’ 

Mr Hastie’s body was discovered in the water a short time later by another walker, who noticed it while taking a photograph of the sea from above.   

His body was recovered from the beach below by the police and coastguard.

The inquest heard that he suffered with severe depression and anxiety in late 2024 as he missed his previous life in Kings Langley.

Just after 1pm on June 26, Mr Hastie had to be identified through his dental records after suffering ‘injuries incompatible with life’.

The former teacher and librarian’s body was recovered from South Beach at about 1.45pm. 

A statement by Mrs Hastie, which was read out at the inquest, said: ‘My husband was a poet with many followers across the world who published at least five volumes of poetry.

‘He was a great sun-worshipper and traveller.

‘His mental health declined after we moved from Hertfordshire in 2022 to live in Bournemouth. He felt, “What’s the point?”‘

Marian Starpan, who encountered Mr Hastie at Old Harry Rocks shortly before his death, said: ‘I saw a man stood on the top of the high cliffs.

‘I asked if he was ok and he said, “It is a beautiful view”.’

Recording a conclusion of suicide at the Bournemouth inquest, Dorset assistant coroner Richard Middleton said: ‘Mr Hastie was found at the foot of the cliffs at South Beach, Old Harry Rocks.

‘I’m satisfied on the balance of probabilities that he died as a consequence of a deliberate act and give a conclusion of suicide.

‘My deepest condolences to all the family and friends of Mr Hastie, particularly his wife Maureen.’

Mr Hastie’s family posted a tribute to him on his poetry website.

They said: ‘His work will continue to be cherished by his existing loyal followers, and reach far and wide to new readers.’ 

The Kings Langley History Society said: ‘We would like to pay respect and offer heartfelt condolences to the family of Scott Hastie who sadly died in June.

‘Scott lived and worked in Kings Langley for many years as a librarian in Kings Langley library before retiring to Bournemouth.

‘Scott was also a celebrated poet and writer particularly of local history.’

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