Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
INQUEST ON NOAH TO HEAR WITNESS EVIDENCE
New teen death lines of inquiry
A PRELIMINARY inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has heard the police file is “almost complete”.
Barrister Declan Quinn also told Belfast Coroner’s Court several evidential lines of inquiry have arisen.
He added officers were given “a number of hand written statements and materials” which will need to be “processed”.
Mr Quinn said yesterday : “There are also a number of evidential lines of inquiry of which appear to arise from the material we have received.
“They have been considered in view of discussions with the next of kin’s representatives.
“As a result, a number of other evidential lines of inquiry will be directed through myself and yourself, Mr Coroner.
“A core bundle of material – once all the material which I have referred to is received and processed – will be organised, prepared and shared.
“We do require a statement or statements from the next of kin, particularly Ms Donohoe providing general background information on Noah, as well as more specific information regarding his behaviour and demeanour in the weeks and days before his disappearance.”
A court had previously heard there was no evidence the teen was attacked or any other person was involved in his death.
A postmortem found he died as a result of drowning.
The Donohoe family were represented by KRW Law’s Niall Murphy who said the statement from Noah’s mum is under way.
He added: “Mr Coroner you will appreciate this is the most traumatic and emotional statement Ms Donohoe will ever attempt to compose, however, it has commenced and we collectively undertake to conclude that at the earliest convenience.
“I should also say I will write to the office in relation to an issue which is arising in relation to potential comparative water samples and look forward to that issue being expedited.”
Mr Quinn also said police are investigating “health and safety” issues that may arise in this inquest.
He added: “The PSNI have been actively engaging with the Department for Infrastructure.”
Noah went missing on Sunday, June 21, and a missing persons appeal launched a community search operation across the city.
The St Malachy ’s College pupil’s body was found in a storm drain near the M2 six days later.
Police believe he entered it in the Northwood Road area of North Belfast.
Noah had cycled to the location from his South Belfast home and shortly before he went missing, he was seen with no clothes on.
Prior to that he was spotted falling off his bike on Shore Road.
Noah’s mother Fiona and aunt Niamh attended the third preliminary inquest hearing.
In light of “outstanding matters,” it was suggested the next listing in January for an inquest would be reviewed.
Mr Quinn said in terms of witnesses who will be required to give evidence, a list will be finalised on receipt of all materials.
A review hearing will now replace the inquest commencement on January 18, Coroner Joe Mccrisken said.
Mr Quinn told the court site visits to the storm drain complex were “of some use”.
Mr Murphy said he would correspond with Mr Quinn in regards to the site visits.
The family’s solicitor echoed Fiona Donohoe’s gratitude to the public for their support and in the coming weeks, a Noah Donohoe Foundation will be set up to “keep the legacy of her beautiful son” and in hope to inspire other young people.