Last updated at 11:03, Monday, 04 March 2013

AN INQUEST will be held tomorrow into the death of a man found on a west Cumbrian beach more than 12 years ago.

The human remains were discovered at Annaside beach, Bootle, on December 15 2000, but no match was ever made despite a full DNA profile being drawn up.

The body was finally identified last year as John Paul Crawford, from Dublin.

The 28-year-old had not been seen since October 17 2000.

Cumbria police worked extensively with the National Missing Persons Bureau but all attempts to identify the remains “over months and years” proved negative.

Eventually, Ireland’s na police service, the Garda, obtained personal belongings of Mr Crawford.

They were also tested for DNA and a match was found.

An application was made to reopen the original inquest following the discovery of Mr Crawford’s body.

A statement from the officer of David Roberts, north and west Cumbria coroner, said that the inquest would be held in Cockermouth at 11am tomorrow “following the quashing of the coroner’s verdict of April 27, 2001”.

Police said there was no evidence to suggest the death was suspicious.

Speaking last year when the body of Mr Crawford was identified, Detective Sergeant Colin Edgar, from the Major Investigation Team, said:

“From the recent work of the Garda Serious Crime Review Team, in liaison with Cumbria Constabulary, we have been able to identify the remains and bring closure to a family.

“Without the hard work, time and dedication of the officers in the Garda Serious Crime Review Team and NPIA missing person bureau these remains would not have been identified.”

First published at 10:35, Monday, 04 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk