Body found off Manx coast 10 years ago identified through family DNA

John Joseph Roche was found by a fishing crew off Ramsey's coast in 2013

The body of a man from Ireland found by fishermen off the coast of the Isle of Man more than 10 years ago has been identified through family DNA.

John Roche, 40, was last seen walking towards the quayside in his home town in County Wicklow in December 2012.

His body was discovered off Ramsey's coast four months later but could not be identified.

An inquest at Douglas Courthouse heard his family had responded to a 2019 TV appeal for DNA to track missing people.

Using a sample from his son, forensic scientists were able to identify Mr Roche, who had been recorded as missing in Ireland.

Statements read to the court showed he suffered with poor mental health and was a heavy drinker.

He had last been seen walking towards the quayside in the late afternoon on 20 December 2012.

Coroner James Brooks said he was satisfied the 40-year-old must have entered the water and died on the same day.

However he said he was unable to make any factual findings that his death was either intentional or accidental.

A funeral was held at Lonan Church for the then unidentified man in April 2014

The inquest heard the body showed signs of an injury to the head, but it was not possible to determine how or when that may have occurred.

Mr Brooks said tidal currents had carried Mr Roche's body to the Isle of Man over time, where he was eventually found nearly four months later on 13 April 2013.

A inquest was originally opened in 2014 and he was buried at Lonan Church unidentified in April that year.

Douglas Courthouse heard, following the identification of Mr Roche, his body was repatriated to his home town in December last year.

Recording an open verdict, Mr Brooks passed on his condolences to members of Mr Roche's family, who had travelled to the island for the hearing at Douglas Courthouse.

The inquest's conclusion had shown the "the power of scientific evidence" and he hoped the process would now help them to "move on", he added.

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