The jury in the long-running inquest into the tragic death of 14-year-old Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe has reached unanimous findings, marking a significant moment for our local community and Noah's family.
Noah disappeared in June 2020, sparking an extensive six-day community search across North Belfast before his body was tragically discovered in an underground storm drain tunnel in the north of the city. A post-mortem examination later concluded that the cause of Noah’s death was drowning.
The comprehensive coronial probe into his passing began in January and involved an immense amount of evidence. Over the course of the hearings, the court examined testimony from 76 witnesses along with written statements from a further 42 individuals. Jurors were presented with detailed maps, video footage, photographs, police logs, and multiple expert reports to piece together the events surrounding the tragedy.
Proceedings resumed at Belfast Coroner’s Court this week under Coroner Mr Justice Rooney, following an adjournment that began in July. That pause came after the jury had spent 24 hours deliberating across three days without reaching a unanimous verdict. Before deliberations resumed on Monday, Mr Justice Rooney dismissed one juror, leaving a panel of nine—comprising seven men and two women—who have now successfully agreed on unanimous findings.
Throughout the entire process, Noah’s mother, Fiona Donohoe, has maintained a steadfast presence, attending every single day of the inquest. The jury was tasked with answering 10 specific questions to determine the circumstances of Noah’s death, including establishing the exact date he died and addressing whether any errors made by police contributed to his loss.
Noah's story has deeply touched neighbours across North Belfast and far beyond, and the community's thoughts remain closely with Fiona and the Donohoe family.