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A significant development has occurred in the case concerning the death of Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman from Ballymena. Brandon John Rainey, who was initially due to stand trial on 9 March for her murder, has now indicated through his legal team that he will plead guilty to killing her, citing diminished responsibility. This shift was revealed during an urgent proceeding at Belfast Crown Court.
Rainey, 29, formerly residing on James Street in Ballymena, had initially denied the murder charge related to the events in June 2023 when Chloe was killed in the County Antrim town. However, during the emergency hearing, his barrister Neil Connor KC explained that a consultation with Rainey had taken an unexpected turn, leading to a change in his client’s instructions that could significantly affect the upcoming trial. Although Rainey admits to causing Chloe’s death, the defense now frames this as manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility rather than murder.
Following this revision of the defense, an updated psychiatric evaluation is required to assess Rainey’s mental state at the time of the incident. Connor informed the court that Dr Issac, who previously examined Rainey, would conduct this reassessment, with a consultation scheduled for 9 March and a supplementary report expected by 13 March. This new report will guide the defense’s approach and determine whether it will be presented to the Crown. Should the prosecution find it necessary, they may have Rainey examined by their own psychiatrist, Dr Brennan, who is scheduled to return from leave after 21 March.
Owing to these changes, the defense requested that the original trial date be vacated, asking that Rainey not be brought before the court on 9 March to allow for the psychiatric consultation. Instead, Rainey is to be re-arraigned on 12 March, at which point he may formally enter a plea of not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Senior prosecuting counsel David Russell KC expressed caution regarding the altered instructions, reminding the court of previous delays in the case and emphasizing the ongoing challenges surrounding Rainey’s account of events. The judge agreed to delay the trial, with a new trial start date anticipated for 13 April 2026, contingent on the completion of the medical reports and legal procedures
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