Follow live court updates as testimony resumes in the Noah Donohoe inquest
The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has resumed at the Belfast Coroner’s Court, entering its eleventh week of evidence. After a week-and-a-half adjournment, proceedings recommenced on Monday, with the presiding judge thanking the jury for their continued attendance and urging that the hearing be progressed “as quickly as possible.” Before the break for Easter, the jury was told that the hearing is likely to continue into May, and the court is working through a complex bundle of witness statements and expert reports.
This hearing examines the circumstances surrounding Noah’s disappearance on June 21, 2026, and his body being recovered in a storm drain in north Belfast six days later. The court has heard testimony from friends, neighbours, police officers and forensic specialists.
This coverage summarises the major strands of evidence to date and explains what to expect as the inquest unfolds, while linking to our live updates for blow-by-blow reporting.
Proceedings and courtroom matters
Mr Justice Rooney and court staff have emphasised the need to keep the timetable moving, balancing thorough examination with sensitivity for Noah’s family.
The jury remains in place as the inquest transitions from witness recollections to technical testimony. Lawyers, counsel and court officials have focused on procedural points such as the admission of certain statements and the sequencing of expert evidence. Members of the public and press continue to follow the case closely via the live blog, which provides near real-time summaries of testimony and rulings while the court hears detailed accounts from multiple witnesses.
Key evidence already presented
Court evidence so far has covered a wide range of observations and technical findings. Two of Noah’s close friends gave statements describing their friendship and plans to climb Cave Hill. An eyewitness described seeing Noah appear to sway on his bicycle, a detail explored alongside other accounts that raised questions about possible head injury. However, there was also confusion over that theory when another eyewitness said she did not see Noah strike his head. These contrasting statements form a central factual puzzle the inquest is attempting to resolve.
Witness accounts and neighbourhood reports
Several residents in the area have provided testimony about that early morning period, reporting a range of startling sensory details. Some neighbours recalled hearing a high-pitched scream; others on Premier Drive reported hearing “two screams” and seeing a “white light”. One resident told the court she heard someone checking her back door around 3am. Police officers and search volunteers also gave evidence about on-the-ground activity: a hazardous search officer described a crowd at Northwood Linear Park becoming “quite hostile,” and denied suggestions the search lacked urgency. A PSNI officer refuted claims that items of Noah’s clothing were misplaced by police during the operation.
Forensic findings and technical data
Pathologists who examined Noah’s body told the inquest they found no clear signs of direct violence, and that the physical indicators were consistent with drowning. Toxicology reports indicated no detectable drugs in his system at the time of death, though experts cautioned that screening limitations mean the presence of certain substances cannot be entirely excluded. Technical evidence about search logistics has also been examined: a map showing Noah’s phone location from the Sunday evening was reportedly passed on to search-and-rescue personnel seven hours after police received it, and a PSNI officer admitted to missing Noah on two separate CCTV cameras during the search.
What happens next and how to follow the hearing
The inquest will continue through additional witness testimony and expert analysis, as the jury pieces together a chronology and evaluates competing explanations. Counsel are expected to probe the timing of police responses, the interpretation of forensic data, and the consistency of eyewitness statements. For those following the case remotely, our live blog will provide continuous updates, summarising testimony, noting key legal points, and highlighting any fresh disclosures that emerge during the coming weeks.
Keeping the record
This inquest remains an active public inquiry into a tragic set of events. The court’s aim is to establish the facts surrounding Noah’s disappearance and death, and to present a transparent record for the family and the wider community. As proceedings continue, reporters and readers will be watching closely for clarifications on the phone location timeline, the handling of CCTV material, and the forensic interpretation of cause of death. Follow our day-to-day coverage to keep informed about developments as the hearing advances.
