Man accused of Chloe Mitchell murder yet to secure new solicitor

A man accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena has told Belfast Crown Court that he has not been able to secure a new solicitor yet.

It follows the withdrawal of his legal representation last week 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.

The 21-year-old was killed in Ballymena in June 2023. Her remains were found eight days later.

Following the withdrawal of his defence team last week, Rainey was asked to provide an update on his legal representation to the court by Monday.

During Monday's review hearing before Madam Justice McBride, he said one legal firm told him they could not take the case on and that another solicitor in Lurgan said "he wouldn't have the right amount of time he would need".

The trial which was due to begin on Monday 9 March had been rescheduled to begin on Monday 13 April.

Rainey told the court he did want legal representation but that it was a "rigamarole" to contact a large number of law firms while on remand in Maghaberry.

The judge said that he wished to engage legal representation and "in a case of this nature, that is to be welcomed".

Senior prosecution counsel David Russell KC added: "He is also entitled to a reasonable opportunity to do so."

The judge put the matter back to Friday so that either Rainey has the opportunity himself or through family members to secure a new solicitor and defence barristers as soon as possible.

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.