Jury deliberations in the inquest into the death of Belfast school boy Noah Donohoe are set to continue into a second day after the jury spent just over five hours considering their findings. The 14-year-old was found naked in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing while cycling to meet friends.
Jury Tasked With Answering 10 Key Questions
The jury, comprising eight men and two women, must unanimously agree on responses to 10 questions. These include determining the date of Noah's death and assessing whether any errors made by the police contributed to his death. The inquest, which has lasted almost six months, heard evidence from 76 witnesses, with statements from an additional 42 people. The court also reviewed maps, video footage, photographs, police logs, and expert reports.
Details of Noah's Disappearance and Death
Noah, a pupil at St Malachy's College, left his home on his bike on June 21, 2020, intending to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of Belfast. However, CCTV evidence and witness accounts show he deviated from his planned route, cycling along York Road and ending up on Northwood Road. It is suggested he entered a tunnel via a culvert behind a house, where his body was later discovered. The inquest was shown CCTV footage of Noah cycling naked along Northwood Road, and residents reported hearing noises, including screams, on the night he went missing. A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was drowning.
Coroner's Instructions to the Jury
Coroner Mr Justice Rooney took two days to deliver his charge to the jury, which exceeded 70,000 words. He instructed the jury to base their decisions solely on the evidence presented in court, cautioning against guesswork or reliance on rumours. He emphasised that there was no time pressure, stating, "You must take as long as you need to discuss the issue."
Deliberations to Resume Wednesday
On Tuesday, the jury deliberated for approximately five hours and 15 minutes. They are scheduled to return to Belfast Coroner's Court at 9:30 am on Wednesday to continue their discussions. Noah's mother, Fiona Donohoe, has attended the inquest proceedings alongside her legal team.
