THE couple who died after their car plunged 300ft off Culver Cliff, had a meal together just hours before it happened, an inquest heard.
Paul James Charles, 53, of Albert Road, Sandown, and his wife Jacqueline, 48, of Union Road, Ryde, died when their Renault Scenic went over Culver Cliff on August 17 last year.
The inquest into their deaths re-opened at the Isle of Wight Coroner's Court today (Thursday), which heard how the couple had been depressed about issues over their children and the breakdown of their marriage.
The inquest heard how, despite their separation, the couple were still regularly in contact with each other.
They had previously tried to take their own lives by inhaling exhaust fumes in a car, before Mrs Charles had second thoughts, the inquest heard.
Just hours before they died on August 17, the couple had a meal at the Culver Haven Inn, before their car was seen heading towards the cliff edge.
Both had left suicide notes, the inquest heard.
One witness, David Mallard, saw the car crash through the fence as he was walking along the cliff at around 8.30pm.
Mr Mallard told the inquest: "If it was not for the fence being down, I would have thought I was dreaming it."
The inquest is expected to last until tomorrow (Friday).