Inquest date set for rapist whose arm was found on Dollymount

A date has been set for the inquest into the death of a convicted rapist whose severed arm was washed up on Dollymount Strand.

Gardaí­ investigating the death of James Nolan (46), from Fairlawn Road in Finglas, Dublin 11, told the Dublin coroner that while the investigation into the death is active, it is possible to proceed with the inquest.

Nolan's arm was washed up on the north Dublin beach on February 8th, 2011. At the opening of the inquest into his death in last December, Dublin Coroner's Court heard that the identity of the limb's owner was confirmed after gardaí­ issued samples through Interpol and the London Metropolitan Police found a DNA profile that matched the tissue. The arm belonged to Nolan, who had convictions for rape and burglary and who had been missing since his release from prison the previous November.

State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy has confirmed that the arm was severed following death. However, a cause of death has yet to be determined.

Gardaí­ subsequently went about tracing Nolan’s movement’s prior to his disappearance.

Updating the coroner on progress in the case, Det Insp Paul Scott said that the investigation is still “active” with a number of lines of inquiry currently being followed. “Where they will take us, I cannot say at this stage,” he said.

He told the coroner that he believed the best course of action was to now proceed with the inquest.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell adjourned the inquest for a full hearing on March 11th next year.