Inquest into unexplained death of Noah Donohoe, 14, begins in Belfast

Fiona Donohoe (centre), the mother of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, outside Belfast Coroner’s Court on Tuesday (Liam McBurney/PA) Liam McBurney

Jury selection for the inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has entered its third day at Belfast Coroner's Court. The formal inquest will begin Wednesday afternoon with opening statements.

Searchers found Noah Donohoe's body in a storm drain in Belfast's Northwood Road area in June 2020. The teenager had been missing for six days.

The case has attracted high public interest due to its unexplained circumstances. Noah had cycled from his home in south Belfast to meet friends when he disappeared.

The disappearance

Witnesses saw Noah falling off his bike on Shore Road shortly before he vanished. Witnesses later saw him without clothes.

His disappearance triggered a major search operation involving hundreds of people from across Belfast. Police believe he entered the storm drain where searchers eventually discovered his body.

Mother's campaign for answers

Fiona Donohoe has led a high-profile campaign seeking answers about her son's death. Family members and her solicitor Niall Murphy support her daily in court.

At a preliminary hearing last year, Brenda Campbell KC, counsel for Ms Donohoe, stated the family's wishes for an inquest that would be "full and fearless".

Mr Justice Rooney is presiding over the proceedings. He is currently considering questionnaires from a large pool of potential jurors to select 11 people for the jury.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).