The trial of a Co Antrim man charged with the murder of Chloe Mitchell nearly two years ago is on track to start after the Easter holidays, a court heard on Thursday.
Members of Ms Mitchell's family along with friends and family supporters packed into the public gallery at Belfast Crown Court for an update in the case. Brandon John Rainey, 28, formerly of James Street, in Ballymena previously pleaded not guilty to murdering the 21-year-old on June 3, 2023 which was aggravated by domestic abuse.
He further pleaded not guilty to attempting to prevent the lawful and decent burial of her body on the same date.
During a brief hearing today, prosecution counsel David Russell KC told Mr Justice O'Hara that he saw no reason why the trial would not start on the listed date of Monday, April 28, 2025 which is expected to last up to three weeks. He said a defence DNA expert has requested an examination of some materials held by the NI Forensic Science Services which will be facilitated within the next few weeks.
Defence counsel Neil Connor KC said the expert was aware of the trial date and would report before that date. Mr Justice O'Hara said the expert's report must be filed by Monday, April 7 - three weeks before the trial is scheduled to start.
The senior judge said no venue for the trial had yet been allocated as there are a number of trials listed to start after the Easter holidays.
"I will speak with the court officials in the different courthouses to find out which venue can accommodate this trial. I will let the parties know as soon as possible about the venue for this trial, particularly for the prosecution witnesses.''
Mr Justice O'Hara said he would not review the case ahead of the trial date "unless there is a jeopardy to that date and I want to be told about that as soon as possible''.
Chloe Mitchell's remains were found days after she went missing in June 2023. The 21-year old was last seen alive on CCTV in Ballymena town centre in the early hours of June 3, 2023 and a search operation was conducted.
Detectives investigating her disappearance then launched a murder investigation after human remains were discovered in the Co Antrim town. This led to officers attending a flat in the James Street area, which prompted the arrest of Brandon Rainey.
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