Yahoo News Father of two found dead after allegations made following lawyers' Christmas party
A top lawyer who advised businesses on Brexit has been found dead at the foot of a cliff just hours after being accused of inappropriate behaviour at a staff Christmas party by two female colleagues.
Geraint Thomas, a 47-year-old father of two, had been summoned to a meeting at the London head office of Eversheds Sutherland and was informed about the allegations on December 17.
He then returned to Cardiff, where he was often based in the company’s office in the Welsh capital, before driving to a clifftop car park at Southerndown, near Bridgend.
It is understood a teddy bear belonging to his daughter was found at the top of the cliff.
Two female colleagues who made allegations against the lawyer, who also specialised in mortgage regulations and consumer credit, were said to have been devastated at hearing he was dead.
Fellow workers at global law firm Eversheds Sutherland were sent an email telling them of Mr Thomas' death and offering them "support and advice" if needed. A specialist counsellor has been appointed for staff at the firm.
"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."
The clifftop, which has Samaritans’ signs nearby, is a notorious suicide spot and sees several deaths a year.
An inquest into Mr Thomas' death was opened and adjourned at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Christmas Eve.
Mr Thomas, an Oxford University graduate who was a partner at Evershed Sutherland,
is understood to have had two daughters, the youngest aged five. He worked three days from the legal firm's HQ in London and two days in Wales.
A colleague said: "It is a terrible tragedy and a shocking waste of life. The staff involved are terribly shocked and traumatised."
A profile on the company website says Mr Thomas has been a partner since 2003 specialising in consumer credit and mortgage regulations.
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".
Lee Ranson, chief executive of the law company, 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.
"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 Geraint's wife, family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time.
"Many of Geraint's 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.
"As this is an ongoing investigation I am unable to provide further comment at this time."
