PSNI probe corporate manslaughter charge in Noah Donohoe case

by Q Radio News

Police are investigating a possible corporate manslaughter charge in the case of Belfast school boy Noah Donohoe.

14 year old Noah's body was found in a storm drain in the north of the city last June, after being missing for six days. 

A postmortem found he died as a result of drowning.

Earlier this week the PSNI revealed it is investigating access to the storm drain, which is owned by the Department for Infrastructure.

The Irish News reports the Department could be found liable as it has responsibility for the drain.

This could become the first corporate manslaughter case brought against a Stormont assembly department.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said: “Police can confirm this is a corporate manslaughter investigation.”

Detectives have been investigating the circumstances of the death.

Investigation material has been gathered and police are working with the Health and Safety Executive and Public Prosecution Service.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement on Wednesday about the latest investigation, the PSNI said it was  "working in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and Public Prosecution Service and have informed the Donohoe family of the development."

Noah had cycled from his home in south Belfast before he was reported missing.

His disappearance prompted a major search operation, with hundreds of people from across Belfast involved.

Meanwhile, posting on twitter KRW law which represents Noah's mother, Fiona Donohoe, said "This corporate manslaughter investigation will enquire into risk assessments of the storm drain at Premier Drive / culvert network and reporting structures within DfI/Rivers Agency.

"The watercourse and storm drain are designated under the Drainage (NI) Order 1973."

This corporate manslaughter investigation will enquire into risk assessments of the storm drain at Premier Drive / culvert network and reporting structures within DfI/Rivers Agency.

The watercourse and storm drain are designated under the Drainage (NI) Order 1973.@MyNoah8 https://t.co/ttbAithb9k

— KRW Law Human Rights (@KRWLaw) February 3, 2021

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the Department of Infrastructure said: “The Department can confirm that there is no case against them. DfI have been advised that an investigation in the offence of corporate manslaughter has been launched and the Department is cooperating fully with all aspects of this investigation.

"No further comment can be made while these investigations are continuing."

A full inquest into Noah's death is scheduled to begin next January.