Chloe Mitchell: Man pleads not guilty to the murder of the 21-year-old in Ballymena last year

​A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in Co Antrim.

Brandon John Rainey, 27, with an address given as Maghaberry Prison but previously of James Street in Ballymena, appeared at Belfast Crown Court for an arraignment hearing on Friday.

Family and friends of murder victim Chloe Mitchell arrive at Belfast Laganside Courts.placeholder image
Family and friends of murder victim Chloe Mitchell arrive at Belfast Laganside Courts.

He is charged with murdering Ms Mitchell on June 3 2023 and attempting to prevent the burial of her body.

When asked to enter a plea, he said "not guilty" in response to both charges.

The case was adjourned until September to allow a psychiatric report to be compiled.

Ms Mitchell's remains were found days after she went missing in the summer of last year in Ballymena.

The discovery of her remains came after extensive searches in the Ballymena area.

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