Belfast, Northern Ireland – A police officer involved in the investigation into the death of 14-year-classic Noah Donohoe has testified that items of the teenager’s clothing were not lost by police after being recovered, as an inquest into his death continues. The testimony came during the fourth week of proceedings, focusing on the initial stages of the search for Donohoe, who disappeared in June 2020 and whose body was later found in a storm drain.
The case surrounding the death of Noah Donohoe has drawn significant public attention and scrutiny, particularly regarding the police investigation and the handling of evidence. The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death, with a focus on the actions taken by law enforcement in the days following his being reported missing. The central question of whether police properly accounted for all of Donohoe’s recovered belongings remains a key point of contention.
The officer, whose identity has not been publicly released, was cross-examined by a barrister representing Noah’s mother, Fiona. The barrister questioned whether a less thorough approach was taken due to the case initially being treated as a missing person inquiry. The officer maintained that the investigation was conducted to the expected standard and that there was no indication of criminal activity. This denial directly addresses concerns raised by the family regarding the handling of potential evidence.
Timeline of Disappearance and Initial Search
Noah Donohoe was last seen on the evening of June 21, 2020, after telling his mother he was meeting friends at Cave Hill in north Belfast. However, the meet-up was cancelled, a message he did not receive. He was later spotted by several individuals cycling naked along Northwood Road. According to witness statements, including that of Connor McConnell, who initially believed he was witnessing a “prank,” Donohoe had discarded possessions, including a laptop, during his journey across the city. McConnell told the inquest he observed items of clothing, including shoes, shorts, and a t-shirt, left on the footpath.
The officer testified that he was tasked with investigating a bicycle found on Northwood Road the night after Donohoe was reported missing. He spoke with residents in the area and gathered information about the sightings of a naked teenager. The bicycle, along with a hoodie, shoes, and a helmet, were seized as evidence. Pictures of the bicycle and helmet were emailed to a colleague in an attempt to confirm they belonged to Donohoe. The officer stated that had any remaining clothing been visible in the street, it would have been recovered.
CCTV and Evidence Collection Concerns
The inquest too revealed details regarding the search for CCTV footage from homes along Northwood Road. The officer stated that one homeowner did not know how to access their CCTV system, and he instructed a colleague to follow up with her husband. Critically, the officer was unaware of a second camera on the property, located in the immediate area where Donohoe was last seen. This detail raises questions about the thoroughness of the initial evidence-gathering process.
The officer defended his decision not to immediately seal the evidence bags containing the recovered clothing, explaining that he anticipated a dog unit might require access to the items to assist with the search. He reiterated that he had acted in accordance with standard procedures and that there was no evidence to suggest any wrongdoing. However, the suggestion that items may have been lost within the police exhibits system remains a central point of contention for the family.
Witness Account of Initial Observations
Connor McConnell’s testimony provided further insight into the events of the night Donohoe disappeared. He described seeing a nude male cycling past his window and observing discarded clothing on the street. He also recounted seeing a dark car and two men talking at the end of the cul-de-sac, but did not believe it was connected to the cyclist at the time. Audio recordings of two phone calls McConnell made to the police on the Monday and Tuesday following Donohoe’s disappearance were played during the inquest, highlighting his attempts to provide information to authorities. He stated he believed he had made three calls to the police, including two on the Sunday night.
Cause of Death and Ongoing Investigation
Noah Donohoe’s body was discovered six days after he went missing, hundreds of meters inside a storm drain. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be drowning. The circumstances surrounding his entry into the storm drain remain a subject of intense scrutiny and investigation. The inquest, which began in February 2026, is ongoing, with further evidence and testimony expected in the coming weeks. The case has prompted widespread public concern and advocacy, as detailed by Wikipedia’s entry on the death of Noah Donohoe.
The PSNI continues to maintain that its investigation was conducted appropriately, but the family and their legal representatives are seeking to establish whether any errors or omissions contributed to the tragic outcome. The inquest is expected to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for [date to be confirmed – no date available in sources]. Updates on the inquest proceedings can be found through local news outlets and official court reports.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or mental health concerns, resources are available. You can reach the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit their website at https://www.samaritans.org/.
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