Police have launched a corporate manslaughter investigation into the death of Belfast teenager Noah Donohoe.
The 14-year-old’s body was recovered from a storm drain close to the M2 motorway in June, six days after he went missing.
Detectives are investigating access to the drain network.
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
Advertisement
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.
The PSNI said last year they believed Noah entered the drain in the Northwood Road area of north Belfast.
It is owned by the Department for Infrastructure.
Investigation
The schoolboy had cycled from his home in south Belfast.
His disappearance prompted a major search operation, with hundreds of people from across Belfast involved.
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.”
A spokesperson 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.”
