A top lawyer who specialised in Brexit was found dead at the foot of a 150ft cliff hours after being accused of behaving inappropriately towards female colleagues at an office Christmas party.

Geraint Thomas was a partner at law firm Eversheds Sutherland and specialised in offering Brexit advice to businesses as well as mortgage regulations and consumer credit.

The 47-year-old was found dead on December 18 after female colleagues had complained about his behaviour during an office Christmas party at the firm's offices in London.

It is understood two women workers at the legal firm had made complaints about Mr Thomas. Both were later described as being 'devastated' at hearing of his death.

Geraint Thomas (right) pictured with his wife Rebecca (left). The father-of-two was a partner at a law firm

The married father-of-two was summoned to the firm's central London head office where he was informed about the complaints on Monday December 17.

The Oxford University graduate then travelled home to Cardiff where he was often based in the company's other office in the Welsh capital.

Mr Thomas then drove to a clifftop carpark at Southerndown, near Bridgend. A teddy bear belonging to his daughter was found at the top of the cliff.

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 Coroner's Court on Christmas Eve.

Geraint Thomas (left and right) was found dead at the foot of a 150ft cliff hours after being accused of behaving inappropriately towards female colleagues

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.

A colleague said: 'It is a terrible tragedy and a shocking waste of life. The staff involved are terribly shocked and traumatised.'

Southerdown Cliff tops near Bridgend (pictured above) where Geraint Thomas was found dead

Mr Thomas 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 profile on the company website says Mr Thomas had 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 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.

'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.

The Eversheds Sutherland offices in Cardiff where Geraint Thomas worked

'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.'

The lawyer is the second employee working at Eversheds Sutherland this year to have taken their own life.

Solicitor Imogen Evans, 28, was an accomplished athlete who had discovered she was two months pregnant

Imogen Evans was found dead at her home on June 22. An inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court earlier this year revealed that she had suffered with various eating disorders.

In a statement at the time her mother said that Miss Evans would talk about 'not being supported' enough at her work place.

Miss Evans had previously represented Wales in netball and rowing and was expecting a child when she took her own life.

Miss Evans qualified from Cardiff University to become a a solicitor - and the hearing was told she was 'extremely happy' to find out she was pregnant

But she quit rowing after struggles with eating disorders while trying to 'keep her weight down.'

Miss Evans took time off work due to her mental health issues. She attended therapy at the Priory Centre in Bristol.

Mrs Evans said: 'It was often the small things that stressed and overwhelmed her.'

Coroner Andrew Barkley recorded a conclusion of suicide.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see samaritans.org for details.