Kevin Sharkey

A coroner instructed jurors to consider whether any police act or omission contributed to 14‑year‑old Noah Donohoe’s death after he disappeared in north Belfast in June 2020 and was later found in a storm drain. The jury must assess the PSNI’s handling of the investigation, including whether potential errors played even a minimal role before the time of death, which remains uncertain. Evidence reviewed included high call volumes during the search, earlier criticisms of investigative failings, public access to land near the tunnel entrance and disputed assessments of site safety. Jurors are expected to begin deliberations on Tuesday.

A coroner instructed the jury in the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe to consider whether any PSNI act or omission before the teenager died could have contributed to his death. Expert testimony placed his possible time of death over several days, while police faced criticism for investigative shortcomings amid an unusually high volume of information. Evidence was also reviewed concerning access and safety around the tunnel system where his body was found, including disagreements on safety measures and departmental responses. The jury is expected to begin deliberations on Tuesday.