Thieves Try to Pawn Laptop Linked to Tragic Belfast Boy
Maria Nolan and her mate Daryl Paul were caught red-handed on CCTV in June 2020, trying to flog a stolen laptop at a Belfast Cash Converters. The laptop belonged to 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, who was missing at the time.
Noah’s body was found just a day after the laptop was recovered – the young boy had drowned after going missing for six days following a bike ride.
Courts Slam Nolan for ‘Active Part’ in Pawn Attempt
Nolan claimed she had no clue the laptop was Noah’s, but the judge didn’t buy it. At Belfast Magistrates’ Court, she was told she “took an active part” in trying to palm off the stolen goods, which police later found in her possession.
Neither Nolan nor Paul had any direct contact with Noah before his death. Their only charges related to the stolen property.
Noah’s Death Shakes Belfast Community
- Noah vanished after leaving home on June 21, 2020.
- His body was found on June 27 in a storm drain in north Belfast.
- A post-mortem confirmed drowning as the cause of death.
- The inquest into Noah’s death was due to start this January but has been postponed.
Paul Gets Jail for Theft But Cleared of Involvement in Death
Daryl Paul pled guilty last year to stealing Noah’s laptop and schoolbooks. He was sentenced to three months in jail.
“There is no overlap between this accused and the terrible tragedy that befell poor Noah,” a judge said during sentencing.
Maria Nolan is still out on bail, awaiting sentencing, as the investigation into this tragic case continues to grip Northern Ireland.
