Trial Delay Announced
The trial of Brandon Rainey, accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena, will not commence on 28 April as initially scheduled.
Rainey, formerly residing on James Street in Ballymena, denies the charges of murdering the 21-year-old on 3 June 2023 and preventing the lawful burial of her remains.
Pre-Trial Proceedings
The 29-year-old defendant, currently held on remand at HMP Maghaberry, appeared at Belfast Crown Court for a pre-trial review on Monday.
His legal representatives indicated that there is a significant mental health aspect to the case, and they have commissioned several medical reports to be prepared.
Rainey is scheduled for a psychological evaluation on 21 April, after which his defence team intends to request further psychiatric assessments.
The court was informed that two psychiatric experts have been approached to undertake evaluations, and the defence is awaiting confirmation on whether they will accept instructions to proceed.
Legal Counsel Statements
Senior defence counsel Des Fahy KC stated that he would be able to provide the court with an update regarding the timeline during the week commencing 27 April.
Senior prosecution counsel David Russell KC expressed ongoing concerns about the certainty of the trial's scheduling.
Judicial Comments
Madam Justice McBride declared that commencing the trial on 28 April
"would not be viable or tenable".
She emphasized the necessity to balance the family's and public's interest in a swift resolution with the defendant's right to a fair trial.
"In terms of timescale I've always indicated I would keep a tight rein on it,"she told the court.
Madam Justice McBride noted that the case is exempt from the ongoing barristers' industrial dispute because
"everybody agreed this was a case that should be dealt with sooner rather than later".
She further stated that psychiatric experts who have agreed to take on the case should prioritise it accordingly.
Next Steps
The case is scheduled for another review on 28 April.
