Coroner Expresses Frustration Over Delays in James Donegan Inquest
At a pre-inquest review hearing on Tuesday, Coroner Joe McCrisken pressed police representatives for tangible progress towards the long-awaited inquest into the murder of James Donegan. The 43-year-old father, known as Jim, was shot dead in broad daylight as he waited for his son outside a school on Belfast's Glen Road in December 2018.
Police Watchdog Material Nears Completion
The hearing was informed that approximately 4,000 pages of non-sensitive material from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland are almost ready for submission. This follows a critical report by Ombudsman Marie Anderson in April 2024, which highlighted deficiencies in the initial police investigation. However, work continues on sensitive documents, with the PSNI assessing whether any portions require a public interest immunity hearing.
Coroner Criticises Lack of Concrete Updates
Barrister Michael McCartan, representing the PSNI, requested a seven-day extension to provide a written progress update. Coroner McCrisken responded with clear dissatisfaction, stating, "I was sort of hoping you could give me an update today, this is the whole point of having a pre-inquest review. Just being told it is ongoing doesn't really give me any information." He emphasised that attending reviews without substantive updates undermines the process, noting everyone was aware questions would be asked.
Mr McCartan apologised, indicating that while he lacked precise timing, progress was "very well" and anticipated completion within four weeks. He committed to providing a very clear indication within the next seven days.
Family's Representative Urges Faster Progress
Seamus McIlroy, acting for Mr Donegan's next of kin, expressed the family's keen desire for advancement. He pointed out that the agenda mirrored a written update from July of the previous year, essentially copied and pasted. Mr McIlroy acknowledged the volume of material and competing priorities, such as the Omagh bombing inquiry, but argued for another review next month to maintain focus. "With these reviews in short circuit, people do become a bit more focused," he remarked.
Arrest Made and Future Proceedings
In a related development, a man was arrested in May 2025 for questioning regarding Mr Donegan's murder, alongside another murder and an attempted murder in Belfast. Coroner McCrisken confirmed he had received no requests from the PSNI to adjourn the inquest pending potential charges, stating, "On that basis, we'll just move on." He added that if police seek an adjournment, they should formally request it as per legislation.
Another pre-inquest review has been scheduled for March 10, as the legal process continues to seek justice for the tragic killing that shocked the community.
