AN ELECTRICAN jumped 200ft to his death after becoming depressed over a failed bid to sail to the Canary Islands.

Gravesend Coroner's Court heard how witnesses watched in horror as Jason Sims stopped his car on the QEII Bridge before getting out and jumping into the Thames on July 29.

The 31-year-old's body was pulled from the water by police hours later at the Thames Euro Port, Dartford.

Recording a suicide verdict on November 8, Coroner Roger Hatch said Mr Sims, of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, died of multiple injuries.

He had started a sailing trip in April with a friend but they had to turn back because of problems.

His mother, Cynthia Beck, said her son became depressed in the following months as he had spent six years preparing for the trip and building the boat.

Mrs Beck, who saw him four days before he killed himself, said: "He had so much to live for, it's such a waste. I never thought he would kill himself."