Ex-serviceman's body lay on beach for weeks

Dental records and tattoos needed for identification

The body of an ex-serviceman found on a secluded beach on the Island's coast earlier this year had been there for weeks.

An inquest into the death of 57 year old Bruce Moon who had been born in Nairobi was opened and adjourned yesterday afternoon (Thurs)

The court heard Mr Moon's body was found on White Beach near Niarbyl on the 8th of August and may have been there for several weeks.

It was too decomposed to establish a cause of death and had to be identified from dental records and distinctive tattoos.

His nephew Robert Moon said his uncle had been travelling for some time and had detached himself from other people. Up until the discovery of his body no-one was aware where he was.

Police investigations are continuing into the death and the inquest was adjourned to a date to be confirmed.