The inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe adjourned briefly on Thursday after Constable Wharry provided inconsistent testimony about a search for the schoolboy's green coat. Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old pupil at St Malachy's College, went missing in north Belfast on 21 June 2020 after leaving home on his bike. His body was found six days later in a storm drain tunnel.

Constable Wharry assisted in the search of a flat belonging to Daryl Paul on 25 June 2020. Paul later received a jail sentence for stealing a rucksack with Noah's laptop and schoolbooks. Wharry stated he searched for the laptop, schoolbag, and green coat, items Noah had with him before disappearing. The green coat has not been located.

Wharry's contemporaneous notes and statements made no reference to the green coat. He told the inquest he learned of it that day after a briefing at Musgrave police station. A barrister for Noah's mother Fiona Donohoe challenged him on earlier claims of prior knowledge. Wharry replied he could not explain and fell silent at one point.

The barrister described the situation as a serious matter. Coroner Mr Justice Rooney paused proceedings for legal teams to review. Upon resuming, Wharry said two officers, including a senior one, briefed him on court proceedings. Rooney barred further questions on the coat pending transcript review.

Wharry found Noah's schoolbooks in a rubbish bag during the flat search. His initial statement mentioned body-worn video capture, but he later said he was unsure and suggested another officer might have recorded. No footage exists for the inquest. Wharry noted he activated his camera only if occupants were present; Paul was absent.

CCTV showed Noah cycling along University Street towards lower Ormeau Road in south Belfast. Paul stood nearby outside housing as Noah passed. A barrister for Paul stated no physical contact occurred. Paul appeared on CCTV in Botanic Avenue shortly after, ruling out involvement in the disappearance.