Inquest Told Noah Donohoe Was Likely Alive When Entering Storm Drain
An expert witness has testified that it is highly probable 14-year-old Noah Donohoe was alive when he entered a storm drain in north Belfast, where his body was discovered in June 2020. The schoolboy's naked remains were found in the storm drain tunnel on June 27, 2020, after he had been missing for six days following his departure from his south Belfast home on a bicycle to meet friends in the Cavehill area.
Expert Analysis of the Incident
Professor Carolyn Roberts, commissioned by the Coroner's Service, presented a detailed report to the inquest at Belfast Coroner's Court, which resumed with a jury after the Easter break. Her findings, based on a site visit and extensive material review, indicate that Noah likely climbed through the bars of a metal grille into the culvert entrance while alive. The report states, "The bars of the grille are sufficiently widely spaced that a large child or even a small man could deliberately climb through without undue effort."
Professor Roberts concluded that Noah probably entered the Premier Drive stream culvert behind Northwood Road in the late afternoon of June 21, 2020. She described how he would have crawled or walked in a stooped manner along approximately 600 metres of the tunnel, navigating in near-complete darkness and under hanging obstacles. The tunnel runs under the M2 motorway, train tracks, and Seaview stadium, leading to Belfast Lough.
Circumstances Leading to Drowning
The report highlights that high tide occurred between 11:30 PM and midnight on June 21, 2020, providing ample time for Noah to travel through the culvert. As water levels rose, filling the culvert around the recovery point, conditions became conducive to drowning. Professor Roberts noted, "The layout is relatively complex and for an unfamiliar person moving in semi darkness, in my opinion, it would appear possible to become disorientated."
She further explained that the combination of cold conditions, darkness, and a complex network of pipes likely caused confusion, making it improbable for Noah to have survived multiple tidal cycles. The post-mortem examination had previously indicated drowning as the likely cause of death, with Professor Roberts adding that he probably drowned in a mix of sea and fresh water during the incoming tide while disoriented.
Public Safety Concerns Raised
The inquest also heard critical evidence regarding public safety from Dr. Mark Cooper, who described a risk assessment by the Department for Infrastructure as "very rudimentary." He pointed out that the assessment focused on risks to Rivers Agency staff rather than the public, despite a nearby children's playground. Dr. Cooper stated, "It is clear to me there was knowledge in the body corporate of the Rivers Agency that the grille was in an area that could attract members of the public and children."
He criticized the department's approach, suggesting it appeared to have a "head in the sand" attitude, and emphasized that the assessment failed to adequately consider potential hazards to the community. This testimony underscores ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety in the area.
The inquest continues as further evidence is examined to fully understand the tragic events leading to Noah Donohoe's death.
