Inquest Hears Witness Initially Believed Naked Cyclist Noah Donohoe Was Part of a 'Prank'
A woman who observed schoolboy Noah Donohoe cycling naked on the day he vanished told an inquest she initially thought it was a "prank" related to Father's Day celebrations. The hearing at Belfast Coroner's Court continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the 14-year-old's tragic death in June 2020.
Eyewitness Account of the Fateful Evening
Kerry Fraser provided testimony on Thursday, detailing her experience on Northwood Road the evening Noah left his home. "He was totally naked," Ms Fraser stated. "I thought it was a man who had had too much drink on Father's Day and was having a prank. He was sitting down cycling and did not appear to be distressed, although he was cycling quickly."
After witnessing the unusual scene from her partner's house, Ms Fraser approached the window but the cyclist had already disappeared. "I thought he must have gone into one of the houses," she added. Upon going outside, she discovered clothing items scattered nearby:
- Grey shorts and white boxers lying in the street
- A jumper hung over a wall
- Trainers placed neatly against the wall
The witness noted the bicycle was lying on the ground further up the cul-de-sac, with no sign of the rider. She later became aware of public appeals regarding Noah's disappearance and instructed her son to contact police.
Additional Evidence from Local Residents
Another Northwood Road resident, Karen Crooks, testified about finding a mountain bike near her car on the same evening. "I realised the bike described matched the bike in my driveway," she told the court after seeing social media posts about Noah's disappearance.
Ms Crooks revealed concerning details about accessibility to the storm drain where Noah was eventually found:
- The area could be accessed through a side gate at her property
- The storm drain entrance was protected by metal bars known as a 'debris screen'
- Her five-year-old son had previously been able to fit through these bars
Under questioning from barrister Neasa Murnaghan, representing the Department for Infrastructure, Ms Crooks confirmed the area was surrounded by a 1.8-metre metal fence, with trespass through properties being the only alternative access point.
Safety Concerns and Official Oversight
The inquest heard troubling evidence about safety awareness regarding the storm drain. Brenda Campbell KC, counsel for Noah's mother Fiona Donohoe, questioned whether residents had been warned about potential dangers.
"After Noah disappeared, and the searches that started... that's really the first time that the dangers of it were drawn to your attention?" Ms Campbell asked. Ms Crooks responded emphatically: "100 per cent, yes."
Ms Crooks further revealed that the Department for Infrastructure had never contacted her regarding safety measures or warned her about risks to children in the area. She has since publicly advocated for greater safety measures around drains in residential neighbourhoods.
Police Investigation and Continuing Proceedings
Donal Lunny, barrister for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, informed the court that Ms Crooks' report was the first to bring police attention to the Northwood Road area, ultimately leading to inquiries that captured Noah's last known sighting.
The inquest, now in its second week, has been attended daily by Noah's mother Fiona Donohoe, who continues to seek answers about her son's death nearly four years after the tragedy. The proceedings will resume on Monday as coroners continue to examine the evidence surrounding this complex case.
