A man from Co Antrim is expected to plead guilty to the murder of Chloe Mitchell, a Ballymena woman whose remains were found days after she disappeared, according to court proceedings. Brandon John Rainey (29), formerly of James Street, Ballymena, had initially denied the charge during a scheduled trial at Belfast Crown Court on Monday, March 9, but now faces a possible plea of guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Legal Developments and Trial Delays

During an emergency hearing at Belfast Crown Court today, senior defense counsel Neil Connor KC informed the court that new instructions from Rainey would significantly impact the trial. The defense team had consulted Rainey on Thursday and found that his stance had changed, leading to the need for an updated psychiatric report from Dr Issac, who had previously examined him.

Connor explained that the defense now accepts that Rainey killed Chloe Mitchell, using the term ‘killed’ rather than ‘murdered,’ suggesting a defense based on diminished responsibility. He stated that Dr Issac can consult with Rainey on Monday, March 9, and an addendum report could be completed by Friday, March 13.

Connor requested that the original trial date of March 9 be vacated, as Rainey is scheduled to meet with Dr Issac on that day. He proposed re-arraignment later in the week, allowing Rainey to maintain a not guilty plea to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Prosecution Response and Trial Timeline

Senior prosecution counsel David Russell KC expressed caution regarding the change in instructions from the defendant. He noted that Dr Issac’s report had previously been used in the case in April 2025, which had led to the trial not proceeding. Russell stated that the Crown would not alter its position until updated reports from both Dr Issac and Dr Brennan are received.

Russell highlighted that Dr Brennan is on leave until March 21, with his first available appointment to see the defendant beginning the week of March 23. If all arrangements proceed, the Crown expects the trial to start in the new term on Monday, April 13, providing ample time for decisions to be made.

Russell added that by April 13, the court will know whether the trial is ready to proceed. He emphasized the need for the Crown to be prepared in case Rainey changes his mind and decides not to see Dr Issac.

Impact on the Family and Legal Process

Madam Justice McBride ordered that Rainey be re-arraigned on Thursday, March 12, and instructed his production from custody to appear at Belfast Crown Court. She thanked the defense counsel for updating her on the progress in the case and expressed hope that the development would be welcomed by Chloe Mitchell’s family.

Chloe Mitchell’s remains were discovered days after she went missing. She was last seen alive on CCTV in Ballymena town center in the early hours of June 3, 2023. An extensive search operation was launched by the PSNI, and detectives later initiated a murder inquiry after human remains were found in the James Street area of the town. This led to Rainey’s arrest.

The case has drawn significant attention in the local community, with many expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding Mitchell’s disappearance and death. The legal proceedings have been closely watched, with the family seeking closure and justice for the victim.

According to Connor, the defense’s continued representation of Rainey could be affected if he changes his mind about entering a guilty plea. The court will continue to monitor the situation closely, with the next steps dependent on the outcome of the psychiatric evaluations and the re-arraignment.