Noah Donohoe Inquest Begins: Mother Recalls Son's 'Out of Character' Behaviour

The long-awaited inquest into the death of North Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe has finally commenced at Belfast Coroner's Court. Noah, who was 14, was tragically found dead in a North Belfast storm drain in June 2020 following an extensive community search.

This week marked the selection of a jury, consisting of nine men and two women, on the fourth day of the process. Presiding coroner Mr Justice Rooney stressed to the jurors that while they may have heard previous information regarding the high-profile case, it is absolutely essential they remain neutral and base their findings strictly on the evidence presented in court. The coroner indicated that the proceedings are currently scheduled to run until late March.

The court heard opening statements and initial evidence, including a powerful recording of the phone call Noah’s mother, Fiona Donohoe, made to police on the evening he went missing on June 21, 2020. Fiona Donohoe, who has tirelessly campaigned for answers regarding her son’s death and has been present throughout the sittings, told police she was deeply concerned for Noah's safety, explaining his disappearance was "completely out of character."

During the recorded call, Ms Donohoe explained that Noah had "not been himself" that week and that his moods had been "so up and down." She recounted finding him crying in his room earlier that day, noting that when she asked him why, he turned and claimed he was laughing. She also mentioned that earlier in the day, Noah had been unusually "overprotective," giving her extra hugs and repeatedly telling her he loved her. Ms Donohoe briefly left the court while the recording was played, but later returned.

Counsel for the coroner, Peter Coll KC, delivered his opening statement, outlining the evidence the jury would hear. This includes CCTV footage showing Noah cycling in North Belfast wearing no clothes on the evening of his disappearance. Mr Coll KC confirmed that the jury would hear evidence that the bars on the storm drain were sufficiently far enough apart for Noah to pass through. He stressed that the jury’s key role is determining the facts of how Noah died, emphasizing that his disappearance was "completely out of character." A montage of photographs of the popular schoolboy was also played for the court.