Noah Donohoe Case: Suspect Denies Hand in Photo on Schoolboy’s Phone

Man Who Stole Noah Donohoe’s Laptop Denies His Hand Appears in Photo Found on Schoolboy’s Phone

BELFAST — A man who stole the missing laptop of Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old schoolboy whose death in 2020 sparked a years-long inquest, has denied that his hand appears in a photograph discovered on the teenager’s mobile phone, the ongoing inquest heard on Monday.

The inquest, now in its 13th week, is examining the circumstances surrounding Donohoe’s disappearance and death. The schoolboy was last seen on June 21, 2020, while cycling in north Belfast. His body was found six days later in a storm drain, with a post-mortem concluding he had drowned. The case has drawn widespread public attention due to concerns over the police investigation and delays in releasing key evidence.

Photograph Found on Donohoe’s Phone

During the inquest, legal representatives for Donohoe’s family presented evidence suggesting a photograph of a hand may have been taken on the teenager’s phone at 18:50 on the evening of his disappearance. The image, described as showing “a palm or a portion of a hand,” was discovered during an examination of the phone’s data by an expert witness.

Brenda Campbell KC, representing Donohoe’s mother, Fiona Donohoe, told the inquest that the photograph appeared to have been taken inadvertently, possibly when the phone was picked up or held by someone else. She emphasized that the timing of the image—taken nearly an hour after Donohoe was last seen in the Northwood Crescent area—raised questions about who was in possession of the phone at that time.

“Based on what we know of Noah’s movements and his disappearance about 40 minutes previously in the area of Northwood Crescent, a strong inference would be that it wasn’t Noah’s hand.”

Brenda Campbell KC, representing Fiona Donohoe

Campbell pressed the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for answers, asking whether investigators had been aware of the photograph and, if so, for how long. She also sought clarification on who may have had access to Donohoe’s phone on the evening of his disappearance.

Man Denies Involvement in Photograph

A man who admitted to stealing Donohoe’s laptop after the teenager’s disappearance testified at the inquest that he was not the person whose hand appears in the photograph. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed in public reports, previously admitted to lying to police about his involvement in the theft but maintained that he never saw Donohoe on the day of his disappearance.

The inquest also heard from a woman who attempted to sell Donohoe’s laptop after it was stolen. She testified that she had no knowledge of how the device came into her possession and had no connection to the teenager’s disappearance.

The man who stole the laptop told the inquest that he had taken Donohoe’s rucksack but denied ever having the schoolboy’s coat in his possession. His testimony focused on the theft of the laptop and rucksack, which occurred after Donohoe was reported missing.

Ongoing Questions and Public Concern

The discovery of the photograph has added a new layer of complexity to the inquest, which has already faced criticism for delays in releasing evidence. Fiona Donohoe and her legal team have repeatedly called for transparency from the PSNI, particularly regarding the handling of her son’s phone and other personal belongings.

Noah Donohoe was a student at St Malachy’s College in Belfast and was described by his family as intelligent and curious, with interests in philosophy, music, and languages. His disappearance and death have led to sustained advocacy from his family and the broader community, who continue to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding his final hours.

The inquest is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further testimony from police officers, forensic experts, and individuals connected to the case. The outcome of the proceedings may provide clarity on the events leading to Donohoe’s death and the handling of the investigation.

Support and Resources

For those affected by the issues raised in this case, support is available through local bereavement and advocacy organizations in Northern Ireland. The Noah Donohoe Foundation, established in his memory, continues to campaign for justice and awareness surrounding missing persons cases.