The jury in the Noah Donohoe inquest has been instructed by the coroner to base their verdict solely on the evidence presented during the proceedings and to disregard any notions of hindsight or blame.
Mr. Justice Rooney emphasized that the jury's findings must be unanimous and derived exclusively from the testimony and materials presented over 62 days of evidence spanning five months. A total of 76 witnesses testified in court or via video link, with an additional 42 witness statements being read aloud. This comprehensive review of evidence aims to ensure a thorough and impartial consideration of the circumstances surrounding Noah Donohoe's disappearance and death.
Noah Donohoe, 14, went missing in South Belfast after cycling from his home. He was last seen near Northwood Road, close to an underground water system culvert. Evidence presented to the inquest included CCTV footage showing Noah naked as he cycled on a footpath. His bicycle was abandoned at the scene.
His body was discovered six days later in the tunnel system, more than 600 meters downstream from where he was last seen. The inquest heard that while most of Noah's belongings and clothing were recovered, some items, including his shorts, boxers, and coat, remain missing.
The coroner reminded the jury to consider the situation as it was at the time of Noah's disappearance and death, rather than with the benefit of present-day knowledge. The inquest has now adjourned, with the coroner's summing-up expected to conclude on Monday, June 29, before the jury retires to deliberate on its verdict.