Court told of murder accused's mental health problems

A man accused of murdering Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena has had contact with mental health services since the age of seven, a court has been told.

Brandon Rainey of James Street in the town, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday charged with murdering the 21-year-old and 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 for Ms Mitchell was launched in Ballymena and along the river Braid.

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

Ms Mitchell's remains were found eight days after she went missing.

A consultant psychiatrist has complied a report which the defence described as "lengthy".

The court was told there were various psychiatric findings regarding Mr Rainey, including paranoid schizophrenia, borderline and mixed personality disorders and substance abuse disorders.

The defence asked for time to consider the report and consult with Mr Rainey, who appeared via video link.

The defence barrister said that depending on the consultation, an addendum report may be required from the consultant psychiatrist or another report from "a suitably qualified expert psychiatrist" may be sought.

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

"I would ask for a relatively short period of time to consult with Mr Rainey and to formulate a way forward thereafter."

Ms Mitchell’s friends and family filled every seat in the public gallery.

They were wearing matching sweatshirts and T-shirts reading "Justice for Chloe".

Mr Justice O'Hara told the court "some progress had been made."

He added that the court would "keep things moving as fast as we possibly can".

There was some shouting from the family and friends of Ms Mitchell as they left the public gallery.

The case was adjourned until 4 October.