Publication date:
An inquest is to be held into the death of Noah Donohoe.
The inquest will be heard by the Coroner together with a jury.
Editors, broadcasters, publishers and social media users are reminded that the inquest proceedings are currently active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
The Attorney General for Northern Ireland, Dame Brenda King, is mindful of the need to ensure that the administration of justice is not frustrated by commentary which could risk prejudicing the outcome of the proceedings and which would be detrimental to the Donohoe family.
The Attorney wishes to ensure that the jury’s role is safeguarded and would draw attention to the risk of publishing material, including online, which could create a substantial risk that the course of justice in progressing the inquest may be seriously impeded or prejudiced.
This risk could arise by commentary on, for example, evidential matters which may be investigated during the inquest process.
The Attorney General for Northern Ireland will take action if she considers it appropriate to do so.
Editors, publishers, broadcasters and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations they are subject to under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.