The process of selecting a jury for the long-awaited inquest into the death of Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe is set to reach a critical stage on Thursday morning. After several days of meticulous selection procedures at Belfast Coroner's Court, a final panel will be chosen to hear the evidence surrounding the tragic case that has captivated public attention across Northern Ireland.
Final Stage of Jury Selection
The selection process began on Monday morning under the supervision of presiding coroner Mr Justice Rooney. By Wednesday evening, court officials had agreed on a preliminary panel of 23 potential jurors from a much larger initial pool. On Thursday morning, a formal ballot will be conducted to select the final composition of the jury.
This ballot will determine the eleven individuals who will serve as the main jury members, along with four additional people who will be chosen as reserves. Once the jury has been formally sworn in, the court is expected to proceed with opening statements, marking the official commencement of the inquest proceedings.
Key Evidence and Witnesses
The inquest is anticipated to hear several crucial pieces of evidence that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding Noah's death. Among the key testimonies expected is a statement from Noah's mother, Fiona Donohoe, who has campaigned tirelessly for answers since her son's disappearance. The initial emergency services call made when Noah was reported missing will also be presented to the jury.
Additionally, expert witnesses are scheduled to provide their professional assessments and analyses relevant to the case. These testimonies are expected to form a comprehensive picture of the events leading to the tragic outcome.
Background of the Case
Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old student at St Malachy's College, went missing in June 2020 while cycling from his home in south Belfast to meet friends. His disappearance triggered an extensive search operation that involved hundreds of volunteers from across the city. Tragically, six days after he was reported missing, Noah's body was discovered in a storm drain in the Northwood Road area of north Belfast.
Witness accounts from the time indicate that Noah was seen falling off his bicycle on the Shore Road shortly before his disappearance. Later sightings reported him in the Northwood Road area without any clothes on, shortly before he entered the storm drain where he was ultimately found. Police investigations have supported the conclusion that Noah entered the drain system in that location.
Family's Pursuit of Answers
Fiona Donohoe has maintained a constant presence throughout the jury selection process, attending Belfast Coroner's Court every day alongside family members and her solicitor, Niall Murphy. Her high-profile campaign for transparency and answers regarding her son's death has kept the case in the public eye for years.
Ms Donohoe has expressed hope that the coroner's inquest will provide clarity on the many unanswered questions that have persisted since Noah's death. Her legal counsel, Brenda Campbell KC, stated during a preliminary hearing last year that Ms Donohoe seeks a "full and fearless" examination of all evidence through the inquest process.
The case has generated significant public interest throughout Northern Ireland, largely due to the unexplained nature of the teenager's death and the determined efforts of his family to uncover the truth. The community's engagement was evident during the extensive search operations conducted in 2020, and that attention has continued as the legal proceedings have advanced toward this week's jury selection.
