New trial date set in Chloe Mitchell murder case

A judge has set a new trial date for April in the case of a man accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena.

The 21-year-old, from the County Antrim town, was killed in June 2023.

Brandon Rainey, 29, formerly of James Street in the town appeared at Belfast Crown Court with his new legal team.

It follows the withdrawal of his legal representation earlier this month who said they were "professionally compromised".

Rainey's defence barrister said he had not yet had the opportunity to consult with his client, but that this was scheduled for next week.

The court heard Rainey's new legal team had received the case papers.

The judge set a start date for the trial of 28 April and said this would be dependent on the outcome of a review hearing on 13 April.

Rainey is on remand at Maghaberry charged with murder and attempting to prevent the lawful burial of Chloe's body.

Chloe Mitchell 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".