Date set for trial of Chloe Mitchell murder accused

The trial of the man accused of murdering Chloe Mitchell will go ahead on 9 March.

Brandon John Rainey, formerly of James Street, Ballymena, is due to go on trial at Belfast Crown Court.

It comes after the case was exempted from ongoing barrister strike action.

Chloe Mitchell was 21 when she went missing from her home in 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 her murder.

He was also with attempting to prevent "the lawful and decent burial of a deceased body".

A date for the trial had originally been fixed for 23 February, but barristers were granted more time to resolve issues involving witnesses and disclosure.