Ballymena: Chloe Mitchell's family 'relieved' that murder trial will go ahead despite criminal barristers' strike
The family of Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell have spoken of their relief that the trial of a man accused of her murder is to go ahead as planned despite an ongoing strike by criminal barristers.
The barristers’ dispute has resulted in a halt to crown court cases across Northern Ireland involving people who require legal aid.
Ms Mitchell’s family and political representatives have passionately campaigned that the trial should be given the same exemption as the case relating to the death of Natalie McNally in Lurgan, outlining that a delay would only add to their anguish.
The news they had been hoping for came on Sunday following what has been described as a “constructive” meeting between Justice Minister Naomi Long and representatives of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA).
The Minister has agreed to commence an accelerated review and the CBA is to exempt the upcoming trial involving the murder of Chloe Mitchell from its withdrawal of services.
Minister Long said: “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 chair of the CBA, said: “We welcome the Minister’s frank and constructive engagement with the CBA, following on from the CBA’s meeting with the Mitchell family and North Antrim political representatives, 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.”
Ms Mitchell, from the Harryville area, was 21 when she disappeared in early June 2023, prompting extensive searches in the town before her remains were found around a week later.
Brandon John Rainey, formerly of James Street in Ballymena, is accused of her murder.
Ms Mitchell’s family said they would continue “to stand strong for Chloe and for justice” and thanked all those who have supported them.
"As a family, we are relieved to hear that Chloe's trial will go ahead.
"We are feeling every emotion that anyone possibly could feel, but the knots in our stomachs have eased and our nerves are that little bit calmer knowing progress is being made.”
The family thanked North Antrim MLAs Sian Mullholland, Timothy Gaston, Philip McGuigan, Paul Frew, Jon Burrows and Jim Allister MP who jointly called for the trial to go ahead, and Minister Long.
"Your support and efforts mean more to us than words can say,” the family said.
"We also want to say a big thank you to the Criminal Bar Association for sitting down in discussions with members of our family and for making the positive decision to proceed with the Chloe Mitchell trial. We truly appreciate the time, consideration and commitment shown.
"We hope that alongside the Chloe Mitchell trial, other cases can now also be dealt with and that more positive news will follow regarding the ongoing barrister strike, with fair and constructive decisions agreed upon.”