A MAN with a long history of mental illness died after falling from the roof of his halfway house in Southbourne, an inquest has heard.

David Morris, aged 55, climbed out of a window of the supported accommodation home he was living in at Stourcliffe Avenue, clambered along the roof and slipped, falling to his death in the back garden.

In the weeks leading up to his death, David - who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia - had reported fears that he was being followed and that people intended him harm.

He was in the process of starting new treatment, but had become agitated and frightened in the days leading up to his death.

Another resident at Stourcliffe Avenue saw David fall from the roof, and a subsequent Dorset Police investigation determined no suspicious circumstances.

Recording a verdict of death by misadventure at Bournemouth Coroner's Court, yesterday, Dorset Coroner Sherriff Payne said he was satisfied David was not suicidal and that he did not climb onto the roof with any intention of ending his life.

Mr Payne said: "This was not fully-supported accommodation, it was a halfway house. I have been impressed with the level of care and don't think he intended (David) this outcome."

David fell from the roof on the evening of August 9 earlier this year.