Man accused of Chloe Mitchell murder secures new legal team

A man accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena has secured a new legal team.

He appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday with a new solicitor and barrister.

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

Brandon Rainey, 29, is on remand in Maghaberry charged with murder and attempting to prevent the lawful burial of Chloe's body.

Rainey's new legal team have yet to receive the case papers from his previous solicitor but assured the court they hope to have them by the end of the day.

The judge said there is "urgency in terms of this case proceeding" and pointed out that it is one of the cases which has been exempt from the ongoing barristers strike.

Another mention for the case was set for Friday 27 March.

The judge said there was a "need to get this case on as soon as possible after the Easter recess".

The judge also addressed the large group in the public gallery, including Chloe Mitchell's close family members, saying the instruction of a new legal team for the defendant "is to be welcomed".

Chloe 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 her between 2 and 5 June 2023.

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