Legal team for man accused of Chloe Mitchell's murder withdraws from case

The legal team for a man accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena has withdrawn from the case.

A senior barrister for 29-year-old Brandon Rainey, who is currently on remand in Maghaberry Prison, made the application at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday morning.

Neil Connor KC said this was due to the legal team being "professionally compromised" and that the accused also indicated he no longer wanted their representation.

The court was told the client-lawyer relationship had broken down.

The senior barrister said: "I appreciate it's disappointing at this late stage."

He also said that he "didn't make the application lightly".

The court was told Rainey had been in contact with other solicitors with a view to them representing him.

However, the senior defence barrister said a solicitors' firm recently indicated to his junior counsel "that they do not intend to accept instructions in this case but ultimately that's a matter for the accused".

Madam Justice McBride accepted the application for the withdrawal of services describing it as "a very unfortunate turn of events".

She said there was a consequence to the action and that extensive efforts had been made for a trial to proceed as this was one of the exceptional cases that was progressing despite a barrister's strike.

Judge McBride has listed a review for Monday and told Rainey: "It is for you to see if you can secure alternate legal representation."

She asked his former defence barristers to have their papers in a state of readiness for any new solicitors.

She told Rainey that if he has spoken to solicitors, they should attend court on Monday.

Chloe Mitchell was 21 when she disappeared from Ballymena in early June 2023.

Her disappearance prompted a series of extensive searches before her remains were found about a week later.

Rainey was later arrested and charged with murdering Ms Mitchell between 2 and 5 June 2023.

He is further charged with attempting to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a deceased body.