A senior judge has issued a stark warning about the dangers of social media speculation ahead of the long-awaited inquest into the death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe.
Coroner's Stern Warning on Social Media
Mr Justice Rooney, the coroner overseeing the case, explicitly cautioned the public and interested parties during a preliminary hearing at Belfast's Royal Courts of Justice on Friday, 9 January 2026. He stressed that anyone posting material online which could prejudice the proceedings faces potentially serious repercussions.
"I've been at pains to emphasise the importance and risks of social media posts about the inquest," Justice Rooney stated. He revealed that some properly interested parties (PIPs) had already raised concerns about recent online activity, which may need to be examined further.
The judge made it clear that his warning applied to everyone, whether directly involved in the case or a member of the general public. He highlighted the particular sensitivity given the proximity of the inquest, which is scheduled to begin with a jury on Monday 19 January 2026.
The Tragic Case of Noah Donohoe
The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, a pupil at St Malachy’s College in Belfast. The teenager went missing on 21 June 2020 while cycling to meet friends in north Belfast.
Following a massive six-day search that captured widespread public attention, Noah was found deceased in a storm drain in the north of the city. The unexplained nature of his death has since generated significant public interest and numerous unanswered questions.
Noah's mother, Fiona Donohoe, has campaigned tirelessly for answers and hopes the coroner's inquest will provide clarity on the events leading to her son's tragic death.
Final Preparations for the Inquest
Friday's hearing also addressed several outstanding issues and provided updates on the case. The court's focus remains firmly on ensuring the inquest begins as planned on 19 January.
To that end, two further review hearings have been scheduled for Thursday 15 and Friday 16 January 2026. These sessions will allow for final preparations before the full inquest commences.
Justice Rooney concluded his warning by reiterating the potential fallout from inappropriate online commentary. "The consequences of such activity could be serious, not only for the progress of the inquest, but also for any person engaged in inappropriate social media activity," he said.
