The long-awaited inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has entered a pivotal stage in Belfast, with his mother Fiona Donohoe maintaining a steadfast presence in the courtroom. The proceedings have unveiled harrowing new details from the police investigation into the teenager's disappearance and tragic death in June 2020.
A police detective serving as the inquest's exhibits officer presented a comprehensive timeline of the search operation. The court heard that the first police patrol was dispatched to search for Noah a mere 16 minutes after he was reported missing. This rapid response highlights the seriousness with which authorities treated the disappearance from the very beginning.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came with the presentation of the last known image of Noah, captured on a doorbell camera as he cycled through a residential area. This crucial piece of visual evidence has become a central focus of the investigation, providing a definitive timestamp and location for the search efforts.
The inquest revealed that Noah's rucksack, clothing, and other personal items were discovered scattered in different locations, a detail that has fuelled the family's quest for a full understanding of the events that unfolded. A post-mortem examination concluded that the St Malachy’s College pupil died as a result of drowning.
Fiona Donohoe's legal representative has been intensely scrutinising the police's handling of the case, particularly their initial assessment that there was no evidence of third-party involvement. The family continues to challenge this conclusion, seeking a more thorough exploration of all possibilities.
As the inquest continues to hear evidence, a community's questions remain unanswered, and a mother's search for closure continues. The proceedings represent not just a legal requirement, but a crucial step toward understanding the tragic loss of a young life that captured the nation's attention.
