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Ex-Marine gave away £11,000 before suicide

Coroner of Inquests delivers verdict

A suicide verdict has been recorded at an inquest into the death of an ex-serviceman from Colby.

The body of 57-year-old Bruce Moon, who was born in Nairobi, Kenya, was found on Gob Ny Gameron beach, south of Niarbyl, on 8 August 2016.

He was identified by his dental records and distinctive tattoos.

Corner of Inquests Jayne Hughes said Mr Moon had taken his own life by "voluntarily entering the sea”.

In addition, the court heard that in his final days, Mr Moon transferred £5,000 to the charity, Oxfam and £6,000 to the Royal British Legion.

A close friend of Mr Moon's told the inquest he had never been the same since returning from a stint in Northern Ireland.

His sister suspected he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder but the condition was never officially diagnosed.

According to CCTV footage from Ronaldsway Airport, Mr Moon returned to the island on 26 July last year, without the knowledge of his family, after spending time away travelling.

The inquest heard Mr Moon took a taxi to the area of Eary Cushlin on 29 July and wasn't seen alive again.

A member of the public discovered his body on 8 August.

Investigating officer, Dawn Lowe said it seemed Mr Moon had been planning his death for some time.

He had been suffering from arthritis and gout and had told a friend that old age just wasn’t for him - one day he would go into the sea and that would be him.

Mr Moon, who loved playing cricket and rugby, was described by friends and family as a slightly eccentric character who was honest and genuine.

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