In a somber moment, a jury has been sworn in to investigate the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, whose body was found in a storm drain in north Belfast nearly a week after he went missing. The inquest, overseen by Coroner Mr Justice Rooney, aims to provide answers and closure for Noah’s grieving mother, Fiona Donohoe, who has led a high-profile campaign for clarity surrounding her son’s untimely demise.
The selection process for the jury was thorough, with around 100 potential members of the public considered before the final 11 jurors, comprising nine men and two women, were drawn by ballot. Four reserve jurors were also appointed. As the jury members were sworn in individually, the coroner acknowledged the difficulty of the day for Ms Donohoe, who watched the proceedings.
Noah’s disappearance on the afternoon of 21 June 2020 sparked a major search operation across Belfast, after he was last seen cycling towards the Shore Road from his home in south Belfast. His body was tragically discovered in a storm drain on 27 June, and a post-mortem examination concluded that his death was due to drowning.
The coroner provided the jury with a brief overview of the schoolboy’s disappearance and death, emphasizing that their verdict must be based solely on the evidence presented during the inquest. The proceedings will now move forward with an opening statement, as Ms Donohoe, supported by her family and solicitor Niall Murphy, seeks answers and closure in the wake of this devastating loss.
