A top lawyer was found dead at the foot of a 150ft cliff hours after staff from his work accused him of inappropriate behaviour.
Married father-of-two Geraint Thomas, 47, was a partner at law firm Eversheds Sutherland and specialised in offering Brexit advice to businesses.
The Oxford University graduate attended the firms Christmas party at their offices in London and two of his female colleagues later complained to bosses about his behaviour that night.
Mr Thomas was summoned to head office in central London where he was informed about the complaints on December 17.
He then travelled home to Cardiff – where he was often based in the companys other office in the Welsh capital – before driving to a clifftop.
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A teddy bear belonging to his daughter was found at the top of the cliff.
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Both of his colleagues who complained were devastated by his death and a specialist counsellor has been appointed to support staff at the firm.
A colleague said: It is a terrible tragedy and a shocking waste of life. The staff involved are terribly shocked and traumatised.
Mr Thomas is understood to have had two daughters, the youngest aged five. He worked three days from the legal firms HQ in London and two days in Wales.
A profile on the company website says Mr Thomas has been a partner since 2003 specialising in consumer credit and mortgage regulations.
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The fluent French-speaker was also part of Eversheds Brexit advisory team working with a number of clients to help them with Brexit planning and helping them take steps to put themselves in the best possible position.
A police spokesman said: South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of a 47 year old man from Cardiff who was discovered at Southerdown.
The death is not being treated as suspicious. Next of kin have been informed and a file of evidence is being prepared for H M Coroner.
An inquest into Mr Thomas death was opened and adjourned at Pontypridd Coroners Court on Christmas Eve.
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Lee Ransom, CEO of Eversheds Sutherland, said: On behalf of the firm I can confirm with great sadness that Geraint Thomas, a partner in our commercial team, was found dead on 18 December 2018.
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Details surrounding his death are unclear and we are currently liaising with his family and the police.
Geraint was a highly respected and esteemed lawyer who, having joined the firm in 1994 spent his entire career with the firm.
A truly exceptional lawyer, he will be remembered for his dedication to his clients and to the firm in equal measure. He will be greatly missed.
Our sincere sympathies and thoughts are with Geraints wife, family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time.
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Many of Geraints colleagues have also been deeply affected by this tragic news.
We are working with everyone to ensure they have appropriate, professional support in the coming weeks and months.
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