Trial date set for man accused of Chloe Mitchell murder

Chloe Mitchell's remains were found eight days after she went missing in June 2023

A 29-year-old man accused of murdering Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell is to stand trial next February.

The remains of the 21-year old were recovered days after she went missing in June 2023.

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

He has also been charged with attempting to prevent "the lawful and decent burial of a deceased body" on the same date.

The case was listed for mention at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

Rainey denies both charges and is currently on remand.

Defence barrister Neil Connor KC told Madam Justice McBride that psychiatric reports from both the Crown and defence have now been served to the court.

Mr Connor also told Madam Justice McBride that the trial is expected to last around four weeks.

Following this, the senior judge set the date for the trial to commence as 23 February 2026 and re-listed the case for mention on 7 November.