Inquest told Adrian Lynch's death not suspicious

Tuesday 16 August 2016

An inquest has been told tests prove the body found in Handois Reservoir earlier this month is missing 20-year-old Adrian Lynch, and that the police aren't treating his death as suspicious.

Police Viscounts Liaison Officer Tony Forder told the inquest the body was dressed in the same clothes that Mr Lynch had on when he was last seen leaving a Christmas Party in town in early December, and that his passport was found in the coat pocket.

Although the body was badly decomposed it was possible to carry out dental checks and conduct a DNA test.

Mr Lynch had had little dental work done, but on the balance of probabilities, forensic odontologist Paul Liddiard concluded the body's teeth did match Mr Lynch's records.

DNA tests carried out in the UK though, did prove beyond doubt that it was Mr Lynch that had been found.

An initial post-mortem carried out by Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Deborah Cook concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A fuller post-mortem report will be released at a later date.

Deputy Viscount Advocate Mark Harris released the body so it could be cremated, and adjourned the inquest pending further reports.

Relatives and friends wishing to attend a service to celebrate the life of Adrian are invited to meet at St Helier Methodist Centre this Friday at 14:30.

Donations in memory of Adrian may be sent to Jersey Search and Rescue C/O Hon Chairman Mr P Lister Temeraire, Highview Lane, La Pouquelaye, St Helier, JE2 3GE or Channel Island Air Search, c/o Hon Treasurer, Mr Roger Leonard, Casa Mia, Montrose, Grands Vaux, St Saviour, JE2 7NA.