The inquest into the death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe is adjourned after the jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict. Sources report that the jury has been deliberating for around three days, with one outlet saying the jury spends 24 hours deliberating across that period, and another saying the jury deliberates for about 25 hours before the decision to stop and adjourn proceedings. The inquest is held at Belfast Coroner’s Court.
The jury is tasked with agreeing responses to 10 questions, including the date of Noah’s death, and is described as made up of eight men and two women. After the jury cannot reach unanimity, the presiding coroner or judge, Mr Justice Rooney, adjourns the inquest. Multiple outlets say the adjournment is unusual, with one describing it as an “unprecedented” step. The decision is taken to allow the jury to return when all jurors are available. Some reporting also notes that the jury resumes deliberations for a third day before the final adjournment is announced.
