Noah Donohoe Inquest: Key Revelations as Laptop Theft Suspect Testifies
The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has entered a critical phase, with testimony from Daryl Paul, the man who stole the schoolboy’s laptop after his disappearance in June 2020. Paul’s evidence has raised novel questions about his movements on the day Noah went missing, his possession of the teenager’s belongings, and discrepancies in his statements to police. As the jury hears conflicting accounts, the Donohoe family continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding Noah’s tragic death.
The Disappearance and Discovery of Noah Donohoe
Noah Donohoe, a pupil at St Malachy’s College in Belfast, was last seen on June 21, 2020, when he left his home on his bicycle to meet friends in the Cavehill area. His naked body was discovered six days later in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast. A post-mortem examination concluded that the likely cause of death was drowning, though the exact circumstances leading to his disappearance remain under investigation.
The Role of Daryl Paul
Daryl Paul, of Cliftonville Avenue, pleaded guilty in 2021 to stealing a rucksack containing Noah’s laptop, and books. His testimony at the inquest has been closely scrutinized, particularly regarding his possession of Noah’s belongings and his movements on the day of the disappearance. Paul has consistently denied any involvement in Noah’s death, insisting he had “nothing to do with the death and disappearance” of the schoolboy.
Conflicting Testimony Over Noah’s Belongings
During the inquest, Paul admitted to lying to police about his intentions for Noah’s laptop. Under questioning by Brenda Campbell KC, representing Noah’s mother Fiona Donohoe, Paul acknowledged that he had been dishonest when initially questioned by authorities. Campbell suggested that Paul intended to sell the laptop for money, possibly to fund a drug habit—a claim Paul did not fully deny, responding, “Possible, yeah.”
Paul also denied possessing Noah’s missing coat, despite testimony from two witnesses who claimed to have seen a similar coat in his possession. He maintained that he “never set eyes” on Noah and had no knowledge of the teenager’s whereabouts on the day he vanished.
CCTV Footage and Alibis Under Scrutiny
The inquest has examined CCTV footage showing Paul in the Queen’s Quarter area of Belfast, near Noah’s home on Fitzroy Avenue, on the evening of his disappearance. Paul claimed he was in the area to visit Maria Nolan, a woman he said he had recently met. When asked if he had seen or spoken to Noah, Paul replied, “No, never.”
One of the most contentious moments in the testimony came when Paul was shown a photograph found on Noah’s phone. The image appeared to depict a hand, and Campbell suggested it could belong to Paul. He vehemently denied this, stating, “I did not have Noah’s phone. I never set eyes on him.”
The Donohoe Family’s Quest for Answers
Fiona Donohoe, Noah’s mother, has attended every day of the inquest, which is now in its 13th week. Her legal team has pressed Paul on inconsistencies in his testimony, particularly regarding his possession of Noah’s belongings and his movements on the day of the disappearance. Campbell described Paul’s initial statements to police as a series of lies intended to “cover up the full extent of [his] criminality.”
In a statement outside the court, Fiona Donohoe expressed frustration at the gradual pace of the inquest but reiterated her determination to uncover the truth. “Noah was a bright, loving boy, and his death has left a void in our lives. We necessitate to understand what happened to him, and we will not rest until we do.”
Key Takeaways from the Inquest
- Daryl Paul admitted to lying to police about his intentions for Noah’s laptop, initially claiming he did not plan to sell it.
- Paul denies possessing Noah’s coat or phone, despite witness testimony suggesting otherwise.
- CCTV footage places Paul near Noah’s home on the evening of his disappearance, though Paul claims he was there to visit a woman named Maria Nolan.
- The inquest continues to explore discrepancies in Paul’s testimony, including his denial of involvement in the photograph found on Noah’s phone.
- Fiona Donohoe remains committed to seeking justice for her son, attending every day of the proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of Noah Donohoe’s death?
A post-mortem examination concluded that Noah Donohoe likely died from drowning. His body was found in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast six days after he went missing.
Who is Daryl Paul, and what is his connection to the case?
Daryl Paul is a man who pleaded guilty to stealing Noah’s rucksack, which contained his laptop and books. He has testified at the inquest, denying any involvement in Noah’s disappearance or death.
What discrepancies have emerged in Paul’s testimony?
Paul initially lied to police about his intentions for Noah’s laptop, later admitting he may have planned to sell it. He has also denied possessing Noah’s coat and phone, despite witness statements suggesting otherwise.
How long has the inquest been running?
The inquest into Noah Donohoe’s death began in early 2026 and is currently in its 13th week. The jury continues to hear evidence from witnesses, including Daryl Paul.
What is the next step in the inquest?
The inquest is expected to continue with further testimony from witnesses and experts. The jury will ultimately deliver a verdict on the circumstances surrounding Noah’s death.
Looking Ahead
As the inquest into Noah Donohoe’s death progresses, the testimony of Daryl Paul has added new layers of complexity to the case. Whereas Paul maintains his innocence regarding Noah’s disappearance, his admission of dishonesty and the inconsistencies in his statements have kept the focus on his role in the events of June 2020. For Fiona Donohoe and her family, the inquest represents a crucial step toward understanding what happened to Noah—and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
The coming weeks may bring further revelations as the jury continues to piece together the final hours of Noah’s life. Whatever the outcome, the Donohoe family’s determination to seek justice serves as a reminder of the human cost behind the headlines.
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