Mitchell family express relief and thanks after positive trial update

THE family of murdered Ballymena woman, Chloe Mitchell, have expressed relief that the trial of her alleged killer is to go ahead this month.

Justice Minister Naomi Long and representatives of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) have agreed to "exempt the upcoming trial involving the murder of Chloe Mitchell from its withdrawal of services".

Brandon John Rainey, formerly of James Street, Ballymena, is due to go on trial for the murder of the 21-year-old on 23 February. She was killed in June 2023.

Minister Long and representatives of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) met in an effort to resolve the current strike by barristers.

The justice minister described the meeting as constructive and welcomed "the CBA's commitment to engaging to find solutions".

Minister Long said that whilst "not all issues have been resolved, a decision has now been taken which will enable the Chloe Mitchell trial to progress".

She described how she recently met the Mitchell family and is "humbled by their resilience and determination to see justice for Chloe".

"We must never lose sight of the fact that victims are central to everything we do.

"We must protect them, we must serve them and we must be prepared to make hard decisions for them."

Michael Chambers KC, Vice Chair of the CBA, welcomed the minister's " frank and constructive engagement with the CBA".

He described how the CBA met the Mitchell family and north Antrim political representatives recently and "had an opportunity not only to listen but also to explain the full background of the strike".

"Our consistent position has been that our members want to be in court, dealing with cases like Chloe," Chambers continued.

He also welcomed the minister's confirmation that an accelerated review will proceed and said: "It is our hope that this will produce the urgent reforms necessary to enable a full return to work."

Further meetings between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the CBA are scheduled.

Chloe Mitchell 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 Ms Mitchell between 2 and 5 June 2023.

He is further charged with attempting to prevent "the lawful and decent burial of a deceased body".

The Mitchell family have posted their response to the news on the 'Justice For Chloe' facebook page.

They said: “As a family, we are relieved to hear that the Criminal Bar Association has agreed to proceed with the Chloe Mitchell Trial.

“We are feeling every emotion that anyone possibly could feel, but the knots in our stomachs have eased and our nerves are that little bit calmer knowing progress is being made.

“A big thank you to all the MLA's — Sian Mullholland MLA, Timothy Gaston MLA, Philip McGuigan MLA, Paul Frew MLA, Jon Burrows MLA and Jim Allister KC MP — and to the Justice Minister Naomi Long for everything you have done and continue to do. Your support and efforts mean more to us than words can say.

“We also want to say a big thank you to the Criminal Bar Association for sitting down in discussions with members of our family and for making the positive decision to proceed with the Chloe Mitchell Trial. We truly appreciate the time, consideration and commitment shown.

“We hope that alongside the Chloe Mitchell Trial, other cases can now also be dealt with and that more positive news will follow regarding the ongoing barrister strike, with fair and constructive decisions agreed upon.

“There will be a court hearing on Monday.

“We will continue to stand strong for Chloe and for justice. Thank you all for standing with us and supporting our family every step of the way. Peace is yours. Memories ours.”