Brandon Rainey, 29, from James Street in Ballymena, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday with new legal representation. A solicitor from Phoenix Law and senior counsel Des Fahy KC now represent him on charges of murdering 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell and attempting to prevent the lawful burial of her body.

Rainey faces charges for the murder between 2 and 5 June 2023. His previous legal team withdrew earlier this month after stating they were professionally compromised. The court transferred the legal aid certificate to Phoenix Law.

Fahy told Madam Justice McBride that he accepted instructions the previous day and had not received case papers as of the hearing. He expected the new solicitor to obtain them by the end of Friday.

Madam Justice McBride addressed Chloe Mitchell's family members present in the public gallery. She noted the new representation allows the case to advance. The judge stressed the need to progress the matter soon after the Easter recess.

The case is exempt from the ongoing barristers strike. Madam Justice McBride set another hearing for 27 March. Rainey denies the charges and remains on remand at Maghaberry Prison.

Chloe Mitchell disappeared from Ballymena in early June 2023. Police found her remains eight days later in the Co Antrim town and launched a murder inquiry. Officers arrested Rainey at a flat in the James Street area.