'We've stayed strong for Chloe,' says Mitchell family as trial date to be set

The family of Chloe Mitchell have welcomed the fact a trial date will be set next month for the man accused of her murder, describing it as a "big step forward".

Brandon Rainey, formerly of James Street in the town, denies murdering the 21-year-old in Ballymena in 2023 and preventing the lawful burial of her remains.

The 30-year-old was due to stand trial in March this year but his previous legal team walked away from the case stating that they had been "professionally compromised'' and said the defendant had told them that he no longer wished them to represent him.

A new legal team headed up by senior defence counsel Des Fahy KC, instructed by Phoenix Law, came on record a few weeks later.

In a statement posted on social media, Chloe's family said they left Belfast Crown Court on Friday with something they "desperately needed for a long time, hope".

"Knowing that we are moving closer to a trial and closer to seeing justice for Chloe means more than words can explain".

"We have waited, we have fought, we have stood together and, through all the heartbreak, we have tried to remain strong and dignified for Chloe," the statement continued.

"So today, we left court with a smile on our faces. Not because any of this is easy, it isn't, but because we are finally moving forward.

"We will never stop missing Chloe, and nothing will ever take away the pain of losing her. But today gave us a little more hope that the day will come for justice for Chloe."

During Friday's review of the case, defence barrister Andrew Moriarty told the court that a psychiatric report from Dr Richard Latham was due at the end of this month.

Senior prosecution counsel David Russell KC said a psychologist had been instructed by the Crown to examine Rainey and visits had been booked to see the defendant in Maghaberry Prison on 27 and 28 August.

Mr Justice Fowler told the barrister that his instructing solicitor should press upon Dr Latham that he expected the deadline of the end of August to be met for his report.

"It should be explained to him that this is an important and serious case and I wish to have this matter listed for trial as soon as possible. So I am looking for late October or November.''

Stating the trial will last up to five weeks, Russell added: "There are enough witnesses available to get this trial up and running and we will draw up a witness schedule.''

Fowler told the court that he would not set a date for the start of the trial as he wanted to see what the position was in terms of Dr Latham's report.

"I purport to fix a date for this trial once a decision has been made on whether that report is to be served on the prosecution and the court.

"I will list the case for mention on Thursday 3 September and I will then fix a date for the trial on that occasion,'' added Fowler.

Chloe Mitchell's remains were found days after she went missing.

The 21-year-old was last seen alive on CCTV in Ballymena town centre in the early hours of 3 June 2023 and an extensive search operation was launched by the PSNI.

Detectives investigating her disappearance later launched a murder inquiry after human remains were discovered in the County Antrim town.

This led officers to attend a flat in the James Street area of the town which prompted Rainey's arrest.