A crucial witness has provided detailed testimony at the ongoing inquest into the tragic death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, recalling the moment he discovered the schoolboy's bicycle and helmet in the aftermath of his disappearance.
Witness Account of Discovery
Chris Morrow told Belfast Coroner's Court that he had been visiting a relative on Northwood Road on the evening of Sunday, 21 June 2020, when Noah Donohoe went missing. Mr Morrow stated that as he was leaving the property later that evening, he noticed a black bicycle lying on its side on the footpath.
The following day, after finishing work, Mr Morrow observed a black helmet on the street in the same vicinity. He explained that after seeing a social media post about a missing boy, he immediately alerted the police to his findings. The witness emphasised to the court that he did not see Noah himself in the area at any point during these observations.
CCTV Footage Examination
During his testimony, Mr Morrow was shown CCTV footage captured from the street on the evening of Noah's disappearance. The footage depicted feet and legs moving, along with shadows visible in the top right corner of the recording.
Mr Morrow identified one pair of feet as his own and confirmed that the second pair belonged to his eldest daughter. He informed the court that he only became aware of this CCTV evidence when police officers visited his home approximately two weeks prior to his testimony.
Context of the Inquest
The inquest into Noah Donohoe's death has now entered its third week of proceedings at Belfast Coroner's Court. Noah was just fourteen years old when he was found deceased in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he left his home on his bicycle to meet friends in the Cavehill area.
Noah's mother, Fiona Donohoe, has been present for every day of the inquest hearings, seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding her son's tragic death.
Previous Testimonies
Last week, the inquest heard from Noah's friends and other witnesses who reported seeing the teenager cycling on the day he disappeared. One witness recounted observing Noah cycling naked on Northwood Road prior to his disappearance, while another testified to discovering his bicycle outside her residence.
These testimonies collectively contribute to the court's efforts to establish a comprehensive timeline of events leading to Noah Donohoe's untimely death.
