An inquest at Belfast coroner's court continues into the death of Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old St Malachy's College pupil. He left home on his bike on June 21, 2020, to meet friends in the Cavehill area of north Belfast. His naked body was found six days later in a storm drain tunnel. A post-mortem examination determined drowning as the likely cause of death.

Inspector Bell, a sergeant at the time, testified over two days about PSNI searches for CCTV footage. He stated that maps from the telecoms liaison unit, showing the phone's last cell tower connection, were classified as sensitive under PSNI policy. These maps were not shared with civilian CCTV operators. Bell said he provided details to enable checks in the relevant area. Sean McCarry, Community Rescue Service regional commander, received telecoms liaison unit information from police at about 11am on June 22.

Brenda Campbell KC, counsel for Noah's mother Fiona Donohoe, asked why the maps went to a volunteer but not the CCTV team. Bell replied that policy restricts such data from civilians reviewing footage. Police logs recorded officers reviewing CCTV along the suspected route. Officers relied on managers to operate systems due to variations. An eyewitness reported seeing Noah's bike on Northwood Road, directing searches there. Checks at Grove leisure centre found no available CCTV or staff due to Covid restrictions.

Bell agreed that shift changes caused brief delays. He said officers remained committed, with tasks continuing across shifts despite log gaps. Donal Lunny KC, counsel for the PSNI, noted that identifying Noah on Grove leisure centre CCTV was superseded by the eyewitness account of the bike.

Trevor Cooke, PSNI major crime forensics adviser, described the body as badly contaminated with dirty water and dirt when recovered. Scuff marks appeared at the knees and elbows. A crime scene investigator took nail scrapings and head hair combings. The pathologist requested a water sample the next day. Cooke said rising tide levels prevented entry into the storm drain on the recovery day.

Detective Sergeant Kitchen, involved from June 24, focused on CCTV to build a picture of events before disappearance and locate Noah. He collected footage from a Northwood Road property near the last sighting, unaware of multiple cameras there. Kitchen prioritized areas around Linear Park after the body recovery on June 27. He said resourcing changed afterward, reducing his involvement.

The inquest, in its ninth week, is scheduled to hear evidence into early May.