Juror excluded from Noah Donohoe inquest jury

A juror has been removed from the jury deliberating the death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe, according to a ruling by Coroner Mr Justice Rooney. The decision came after a pause in proceedings early in July. Currently, nine jurors, consisting of seven men and two women, are deliberating the findings of the inquest. The proceedings were halted at the beginning of July following a 24-hour deliberation over three days, during which the jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision.

Noah's body, found naked in an underground water tunnel, had been missing for six days in June 2020. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be drowning. The inquest commenced in January and has heard testimony from 76 witnesses and statements from 42 additional individuals, as well as reviewing maps, video footage, photographs, police logs, and expert reports.

Noah's mother, Fiona, has been present throughout the entire inquest. The jurors have been assigned to reach conclusions on 10 questions, including the exact date of Noah's death and whether any police errors contributed to his demise. Mr Justice Rooney adjourned the inquest following a late-night session that extended into the early hours of July 3, citing an unprecedented situation where jurors were unavailable to continue deliberations.

He emphasized the lack of time and stated that the case would resume later in the year when all jurors are once again present.