Chloe Mitchell murder trial to get under way next month

There had been fears the case would be delayed due to an ongoing strike by criminal barristers over legal aid fees.

Chloe Mitchell was found dead in Ballymena days after going missing in June 2023 (Liam McBurney/PA) (PA Archive)

The trial of a man accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena, Co Antrim, is to start next month.

Ms Mitchell, 21, was found dead days after going missing in June 2023.

Brandon John Rainey, 29, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry and who is formerly of James Street in Ballymena, has been charged with murdering Ms Mitchell in June 2023.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Ms Mitchell’s family had feared the trial would be delayed due to an ongoing strike by criminal barristers in a long-running dispute over legal aid fees.

However it emerged at the weekend that agreement had been reached to exempt the trial from the industrial action.

During a brief hearing at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, Judge Madam Justice McBride hailed “excellent news”, and a “relief” for Ms Mitchell’s family as well as for the defendant to “get finality in respect of this matter”.

She heard that some preparation work remains in terms of witnesses, disclosure and experts.

She set a start date of March 9 for the trial, which she added was likely to take place in Belfast.

A review hearing is set to take place on February 26.

Ms Mitchell’s family watched on from the public gallery accompanied by Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland.