The trial of Brandon John Rainey, accused in the 2023 murder of Chloe Mitchell, will proceed despite an ongoing strike by criminal barristers. The decision follows a meeting between barristers and Justice Minister Naomi Long, resulting in an agreement to exempt the case from the current withdrawal of services.
Chloe Mitchell Murder Trial to Proceed
The long-running dispute between barristers and the government centers on fees for legal aid, which has effectively halted crown court cases involving defendants who require legal aid. After a “constructive” meeting on Sunday, Justice Minister Naomi Long agreed to begin an accelerated review of the fees, and the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) agreed to allow the Mitchell trial to move forward.
Chloe Mitchell, 21, was found dead in Ballymena days after being reported missing in June 2023. Brandon John Rainey, 29, of HMP Maghaberry and formerly of James Street in Ballymena, has been charged with her murder.
Long stated, “The meeting today was constructive, and I welcome the CBA’s commitment to engaging to find solutions to the recent impasse. Whilst not all issues have been resolved, a decision has now been taken which will enable the Chloe Mitchell trial to progress. I recently met with the family, and I am humbled by their resilience and determination to see justice for Chloe. We must never lose sight of the fact that victims are central to everything we do. We must protect them, we must serve them, and we must be prepared to make hard decisions for them.”
Michael Chambers KC, vice-chairman of the CBA, said, “We welcome the minister’s frank and constructive engagement with the CBA today, following on from the CBA’s meeting with the Mitchell family and North Antrim political representatives yesterday, during which we had an opportunity not only to listen but also to explain the full background of the strike to them. Our consistent position has been that our members want to be in court, dealing with cases like Chloe’s. We welcome the minister’s confirmation that an accelerated review will proceed and it is our hope that this will produce the urgent reforms necessary to enable a full return to work.”
North Antrim MP Jim Allister welcomed the news, stating that the outcome was attainable if the minister re-engaged with a plan for a fast-tracked review of the fees structure. Further meetings between the Department of Justice and the CBA are scheduled for next week.
A derogation was previously granted to allow the trial of a man accused of the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan to proceed despite the industrial action.
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