A retired PSNI inspector testified at the inquest into Noah Donohoe's death in Belfast Coroner's Court. The hearing is in its 12th week before a jury.

Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old pupil at St Malachy's College, left his home in south Belfast on his bike on June 21, 2020. He planned to meet two friends in the Cavehill area. His naked body was found six days later on June 27 in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast.

A post-mortem examination determined drowning as the likely cause of death. An expert witness stated last week that Noah was likely alive when he entered the storm drain.

Retired inspector Menary managed the PSNI hazardous environment search team. He told jurors the operation aimed to rule out any chance Noah was in or near the culvert.

Donal Lunny KC, representing the PSNI, questioned Menary about a constable's statement. The constable said he was tasked with looking for human remains around or in the culvert.

Menary called it a bad choice of words. He said recovering human remains was never an option or purpose. His team never thought Noah would be down there.

Menary added that the team planned to search the culvert thoroughly to the end. They aimed to leave no trace of doubt that Noah might be in it.