The ongoing inquest into the tragic death of schoolboy Noah Donohoe has entered a significant phase, with the jury being presented with poignant CCTV footage documenting his final known movements. The proceedings, which are examining the circumstances surrounding the 14-year-old's disappearance and subsequent death in June 2020, also heard detailed testimony from his closest childhood friend regarding Noah's state of mind in the period leading up to the incident.
CCTV Footage Reveals Final Journey
On Tuesday afternoon, the coroner's court was shown approximately nine minutes of non-continuous closed-circuit television footage capturing Noah on the evening he went missing. The sequence began with the teenager leaving his apartment building on Fitzroy Avenue, equipped with his bicycle, a helmet, and a backpack. A series of subsequent clips traced his route as he cycled through Belfast city centre and proceeded in a northerly direction.
The final and most distressing clip presented to the jury showed Noah riding his bicycle completely naked, marking the last visual record of him before his disappearance. This footage forms a critical part of the investigative evidence being scrutinised by the inquest.
Witness Account of a Fall
The jury further heard evidence from motorist Donna Blain, who recounted seeing Noah on the same evening after he had apparently fallen from his bike. Ms Blain described driving from Shore Road onto North Queen Street when she observed the schoolboy lifting his bicycle from the ground. She noted he appeared embarrassed, looking around before cycling away and leaving his coat behind on the pavement.
"She said she did not know what caused the fall and did not see anything that gave the impression Noah had been injured," the inquest was told. Ms Blain had initially contacted police during the search period and provided a formal statement ten months after Noah's body was discovered in a storm drain in north Belfast.
Testimony from a Close Friend
Earlier in the proceedings, Charlie Rocks, who described himself as Noah's "closest friend" during their time as pupils at St Malachy's College, offered a personal insight into the teenager's character and wellbeing. Mr Rocks painted a picture of a bright, inquisitive, and universally liked individual.
"He was the nicest, friendliest person, funniest person," Mr Rocks stated. "Noah was friendly with everyone in school. I joked with him that he knew everyone in school. He wasn't the type of person to be in the popular friend group, but he knew everyone."
Insights into Mental State and Interests
Under questioning from counsel to the coroner, Peter Coll KC, Mr Rocks addressed Noah's mental health directly. He acknowledged that his friend was "very eccentric" and that some of their final conversations reflected this, which he attributed to a "transitional period." However, he firmly stated he had no immediate concerns at the time.
"In terms of immediate concern, I had none at the time, and even looking back on it now, I still don't," Mr Rocks testified. He suggested that during the Covid-19 lockdown, Noah had become "more open" about his emotions and was "starting to grow up and think more about his feelings."
The inquest was shown social media messages between Noah, Mr Rocks, and another friend, Jay Tierney. Mr Rocks revealed that Noah had once recommended the self-help book 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson, though he himself declined to read it. He also confirmed he was unaware Noah had occasionally stayed alone overnight at his Belfast apartment.
Addressing Personal Matters
When questioned by barrister Brenda Campbell KC, representing Noah's mother Fiona Donohoe, Mr Rocks addressed Noah's sexuality. "He was straight from what I knew," he responded, noting that their messages included discussions about both liking the same girl. Mr Rocks emphasised the strength of their friendship, stating his priority was Noah's wellbeing above all else.
The inquest continues to meticulously examine the complex sequence of events that led to the loss of the 14-year-old, combining stark visual evidence with intimate personal recollections to build a fuller picture of those fateful days in June 2020.
