An inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has heard that the storm drain where his body was discovered was in good condition and had no history of unauthorised access prior to the incident. Noah, a pupil at St Malachy's College, went missing on June 21, 2020, after leaving his home on his bike to meet friends in the Cavehill area of north Belfast. His naked body was found six days later in a water tunnel off Northwood Road. A post-mortem examination indicated drowning as the likely cause of death.
Condition of the Drain
Jonathan McKee, a director at the Department for Infrastructure (DFI), testified on Thursday morning, the 14th week of the inquest. He described the drain as 'relatively uncomplicated for a culvert in an urban area' and affirmed that it 'was and is in good condition'. McKee stated that before June 2020, the DFI had 'no record of members of the public or elected representatives reporting concerns' about the safety of a screen on the structure's opening or about children or adults gathering at the site. He noted the absence of evidence such as graffiti or litter to suggest prior access, adding that local residents are 'vigilant and alert', which would deter unauthorised access and anti-social behaviour. McKee emphasised that the area was not 'an abandoned area of land, out of everyone's view, susceptible to misuse or antisocial behaviour'.
Post-Disappearance Incident
On June 24, 2020, following Noah's disappearance, a report of unauthorised access to the drain was made. An official dispatched to investigate was informed that 'approximately 50 to 60 youths' had 'forced entry' to the area around the culvert opening and had searched the area. The official discovered that the lock on a gate from the park to the area had been cut with a tool 'like an angle grinder'. The court was shown images of the cut lock and its location upstream from the inlet screen. The official replaced the lock on the gate and also secured the inlet screen access hatch with a new lock.
Screen Replacement
McKee addressed the replacement of a screen covering the culvert after Noah's death. He explained that screens are typically discouraged due to flood risks from blockages and safety hazards if someone falls into water and becomes trapped. He described two types of screens: security screens and debris screens. The screen on the Premier Drive Stream inlet was changed from a debris screen to a security screen after Noah's death, but McKee clarified: 'It is important to be absolutely clear the installation of security screens was not as a result of Noah's death.' The change was due to the installation of new valves in the culvert.
Discovery of Noah's Phone
The inquest previously heard from Adelaide Armstrong, who found Noah's phone in a grassy road verge on June 22, 2020, while walking in Castleton Park. She stated: 'I checked and the phone was off, and I took it home to charge and see if I could contact the owner.' After turning it on, she saw a message from police asking Noah to contact them. She attempted to call the number listed as 'Mum', likely Fiona Donohoe, but the call rang out. She then contacted police. Armstrong noted the phone's screen was broken and suggested it may have been thrown into the park, as it was found near the railings.
Police Response
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer testified that he attended Noah's home and met his mother on the evening of his disappearance. The officer, then a constable, was assigned to the missing person case on June 21, 2020. He spoke with Fiona Donohoe by phone and later visited her home in south Belfast. In his statement, he noted that Noah's behaviour was 'completely out of character' and that he would usually be home before 10pm. Noah had no access to cash or a vehicle other than his bicycle. Ms Donohoe reported that her son had been very emotional earlier that day.
Witness Accounts
One witness, visiting a relative on the evening Noah disappeared, saw a black bike lying on its side on the footpath. The next day, he noticed a black helmet on the street and alerted police after seeing a social media post about a missing boy. He did not see Noah in the area. Other witnesses reported seeing Noah cycling naked on Northwood Road before his disappearance, and another discovered his bike outside her house. The inquest continues.
