Court learns of defendant’s mental health problems

A man accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena had been in contact with mental health services since he was seven years old, a court was told.

Brandon Rainey, of James Street in the city, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday charged with the murder of the 21-year-old and attempting to prevent the burial of her body.

Mr Rainey, 27, has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

In June 2023, an extensive search operation for Ms Mitchell was launched in Ballymena and along the River Braid.

The search eventually focused on an area around a house where the young woman was last seen alive.

Ms Mitchell's remains were found eight days after her disappearance.

A specialist psychiatrist prepared a report that the defense described as “comprehensive.”

The court was told that Mr Rainey had a variety of psychiatric conditions, including paranoid schizophrenia, borderline and mixed personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders.

The defence asked for time to review the report and consult with Mr Rainey, who was present via video link.

The defence counsel said that depending on the consultation, a follow-up report from the consulting psychiatrist or a further report from a “suitably qualified psychiatric expert” may be required.

“At this stage I am not relying on the consultant psychiatrists' report and that has not been served on the Crown or the court,” he said.

“I ask for a relatively short period of time to consult with Mr. Rainey and then formulate a course of action.”

Mrs. Mitchell's friends and family filled every seat in the public gallery.

They wore matching sweatshirts and T-shirts that read “Justice for Chloe.”

Judge O'Hara told the court that “some progress has been made.”

He added that the court would “move things forward as quickly as possible.”

As Ms Mitchell's family and friends left the stands, loud screaming could be heard.

The case was adjourned to October 4.