The murder trial of Brandon John Rainey, accused of killing 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell, will begin on March 9 after being exempted from an ongoing strike by criminal barristers. The development brought relief to the victim's family, who had feared significant delays.
Rainey, 29, from Ballymena in Co Antrim, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mitchell, whose body was found in June 2023 days after she went missing. He is currently held at HMP Maghaberry. The trial is expected to take place in Belfast.
At a hearing at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday morning, Judge Madam Justice McBride called the exemption «excellent news» and a «relief». She noted it would allow Mitchell's family and the defendant to «get finality in respect of this matter». Mitchell's family, accompanied by Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland, attended the hearing.
The criminal barristers' strike stems from a long-running dispute over legal aid fees. The industrial action had raised concerns about potential trial delays in numerous cases across the justice system.
Some preparatory work remains outstanding before the trial begins, including matters related to witnesses, disclosure, and expert testimony. A review hearing is scheduled for February 26.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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