Belfast, Northern Ireland – A witness at the inquest into the death of 14-year-aged Noah Donohoe testified Monday that he initially believed he was witnessing a “prank” when he saw a male cycling naked on the day the schoolboy disappeared in June 2020. The inquest, which resumed this week after a one-week break, is examining the circumstances surrounding Donohoe’s death, which was ruled as a result of drowning.
The testimony came from Conor McConnell, who was giving evidence at Belfast Coroner’s Court. McConnell stated he was at his mother’s partner’s house on Northwood Road on June 21, 2020, when he observed the cyclist. The incident occurred just days before Noah Donohoe was found in a storm drain in north Belfast, six days after he went missing while cycling to meet friends in the Cavehill area, as reported by The Irish Times.
Noah Donohoe, a student at St Malachy’s College, has been at the center of a prolonged and deeply felt public inquiry. His disappearance and subsequent death sparked widespread concern and advocacy, leading to the ongoing inquest process. Fiona Donohoe, Noah’s mother, has attended every day of the proceedings, demonstrating the enduring impact of this case on the family, and community.
Clothing Found Abandoned on the Street
McConnell’s initial statement, read to the jury, detailed his observation: “While at the house, I was sat facing the living room window that looks out onto Northwood Road when I saw a male cycle past the window naked. I initially thought that this was a prank.” He further recounted going outside and discovering items of clothing discarded on the street.
A subsequent statement provided by McConnell to the inquest elaborated on the scene. He told investigators he observed the cyclist’s shoes “neatly placed on the footpath” alongside shorts and boxers that “looked like they had been stepped out of.” A T-shirt and hoodie were similarly found nearby, which McConnell believed belonged to the same individual. The witness’s detailed account raises questions about the events leading up to Noah Donohoe’s disappearance and the potential significance of the abandoned clothing.
The court also heard audio recordings of two phone calls McConnell made to the police on the Monday and Tuesday following Noah Donohoe’s disappearance. McConnell testified that he believed he had made three calls to the police in total, including two on the Sunday night when he first witnessed the naked cyclist.
Witness Account of a Dark Car and Two Men
Beyond the sighting of the cyclist, McConnell also reported observing a dark-colored car driving up the street and two men talking at the end of the cul-de-sac. He stated that he ultimately concluded this activity was unrelated to the incident with the naked cyclist. This detail adds another layer to the timeline of events on that day, though its connection to Donohoe’s disappearance remains unclear.
The inquest has been ongoing for four weeks, meticulously examining the events surrounding Noah Donohoe’s death. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be drowning, but the circumstances leading up to this remain a central focus of the inquiry. The jury is tasked with determining the full sequence of events and any potential contributing factors.
Background to the Case
Noah Peter Donohoe was born on November 25, 2005, in Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, according to Wikipedia. His mother, Fiona, had been living in Boston at the time of his conception, where she met his father, Emmanuel Djakpa, who was originally from Senegal. Donohoe was described by family as an intelligent and inquisitive student at St Malachy’s College, with a keen interest in philosophy, music, and languages.
On June 21, 2020, Donohoe left his home at approximately 3:34 am, wearing flip-flops, a T-shirt, and shorts, and carrying headphones. CCTV footage captured him heading towards Queen’s University before he later returned, barefoot and without his headphones. This marked the beginning of a six-day search that ultimately ended with the discovery of his body in a storm drain.
The handling of the initial police investigation and delays in releasing key evidence have drawn significant scrutiny and fueled public concern. The inquest aims to address these concerns and provide a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Noah Donohoe’s death.
Next Steps in the Inquest
The inquest is expected to continue in the coming days, with further witness testimony and examination of evidence. The jury will ultimately be responsible for delivering a verdict based on the presented facts. The findings of the inquest are anticipated to provide answers to some of the lingering questions surrounding this tragic case and offer closure to the Donohoe family and the wider community.
Here’s a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. If you have been affected by this story, or are struggling with grief or loss, please reach out for support. Resources are available at Cruse Bereavement Care and Samaritans.
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