Man accused of murdering Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena makes request not to appear in court

By Court Reporter
Published 21st Mar 2024, 10:28 BST
Updated 21st Mar 2024, 10:29 BST
Chloe MitchellChloe Mitchell
Chloe Mitchell
The man accused of murdering Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell has made a request not to appear in person at court in the town.

Brandon Rainey (27), with an address listed as James Street in Ballymena, has been in prison on remand charged with murdering 21-year-old Ms Mitchell between June 2-5 last year.

Extensive searches for Ms Mitchell had taken place in the Ballymena area in June.

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She was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday June 3 in Ballymena town centre.

Police launched a murder investigation after human remains were found in the Ballymena area. A property in the James Street area was cordoned off by police.

The defendant appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday via video link from prison, where he has been on remand.

The case has been adjourned to April 18 for a Preliminary Enquiry - the legal step to send the case to the Crown Court.

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At Thursday's Court, a defence barrister said Rainey had requested if he could remain in prison and conduct the Preliminary Enquiry via video link from there instead of having to appear in person at Ballymena Court on April 18.

The request was granted by District Judge Nigel Broderick.