Trial date for Co Antrim man in Chloe Mitchell case to be fixed next month

Judge to fix trial date after psychiatric reports and disclosure queries

A senior judge has told court he will set a trial date next month for a Co Antrim man accused of murdering Chloe Mitchell. The announcement followed a routine review hearing at which defence and prosecution counsel outlined outstanding psychiatric evidence and a limited matter of disclosure.

The defendant, Brandon John Rainey (30), formerly of James Street, Ballymena, denies the charges of murder and of preventing the lawful and decent burial of Ms Mitchell's remains. Ms Mitchell's remains were located days after she was reported missing.

At the hearing defence counsel Andrew Moriarty said that a psychiatric report from Dr Richard Latham is due at the end of the month. He also confirmed that on his instructions the defendant will see Dr Berry later this month.

Senior prosecution counsel David Russell KC told the court the Crown has instructed a psychologist to examine the defendant and that visits have been booked for 27 and 28 August 2026 at Maghaberry Prison. He said flights have been arranged for the psychologist and the Crown remains in the process of confirming whether Mr Rainey will agree to the examination after previously declining to be seen.

Outstanding disclosure and possible further psychiatric evidence

The defence acknowledged one outstanding disclosure matter, which Mr Moriarty described as not impeding progress of the trial. That disclosure relates to a statement from a prisoner in Maghaberry Prison which purportedly recounts conversations the prisoner said he had with the defendant.

Mr Russell said the prosecution will need to see Dr Latham's report if it is to be relied upon by the defence and, if so, the Crown will take instructions from its own psychiatrist. He added there is also the prospect of the defence instructing a second psychiatrist, which the prosecution described as a potential imponderable at present.

"Flights have also been booked for her and what we are waiting on is confirmation that Mr Rainey will agree to see her after previously refusing to see her," said Mr Russell.

• Defendant: Brandon John Rainey (30), formerly of James Street, Ballymena.
• Charges: Murder of Chloe Mitchell; preventing lawful and decent burial of remains.
• Key upcoming dates: Psychiatrist report due end of month; Crown psychologist visits booked 27–28 August 2026; trial date to be set next month.

The court heard that Mr Rainey had originally been due to stand trial in March this year but his previous legal team withdrew, stating they had been "professionally compromised" and that the defendant no longer wished them to represent him. A new legal team, led by senior defence counsel Des Fahy KC and instructed by Phoenix Law, subsequently came on record.

At the review hearing participants concentrated on the timetable for psychiatric reports and service of the limited disclosure, with both sides reserving positions depending on the contents of the forthcoming medical evidence. The judge indicated he will return next month to fix a trial date once these matters are clearer.

The case remains subject to further court directions. No trial date has yet been fixed publicly; the matter will return to court next month when the judge sets the timetable.