The man who died on top of of Dixon's Chimney in Carlisle had made previous attempts to take his own life, an inquest has heard.

The inquest of Robert Philip Longcake, who was known as Phil to his family and friends, will conclude today in Carlisle.

Phil's girlfriend at the time, Heather Wilson, told the hearing that the 53-year-old had attempted to end his life in a previous incident just a week before his tragic death on October 28 last year.

Family liaison officer PC Williams outlined that CCTV gathered by police showed that Phil had been driving round the immediate area in his transit van at about 4.15pm.

"At 5.30pm he was seen walking down an alleyway and going into the compound (chimney) with ladders, locking them against the chimney.

"At 5.41pm he is seen climbing the ladders."

The hearing heard how Phil's last visible movement was just after 8am, before he was pronounced dead at 4.46pm following a rescue lasting more than 14 hours.

The inquest continues.