Man (26) charged with murder of Chloe Mitchell in Co Antrim

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Brandon John Rainey (26), from James Street in Ballymena, appeared via video link at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he was charged with murdering Ms Mitchell between June 2nd and 5th.

A second man Ryan Johnston Gordon (34), from Nursery Close, Ballymena, was charged with assisting an offender in connection with the disappearance of Ms Mitchell.

PSNI Detective Inspector Foreman gave evidence she believed she could connect both men to their respective charges.

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Mr Rainey’s defence barrister Neil Moore told the court his application was for his client to be remanded to the secure psychiatric unit at the Shannon Clinic as he is a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic.

He argued Mr Rainey should be detained there under the mental health order so that he can be psychiatrically assessed, stating Mr Rainey has been an inpatient at the facility before.

District Judge Peter King asked when Mr Rainey had been released. Mr Moore replied that last August a mental health tribunal “indicated that he should not be released.”

“There was a full hearing 14 days later and that indicated that he should be released, and he was released shortly thereafter” defence counsel told the court.

Det Inspector Foreman said however police had “concerns” about Mr Rainey going back to the Shannon Clinic as he had escaped from there on three separate occasions, taking advantage of exercise periods to run away.

She argued that psychiatric services and facilities at Maghaberry could be used to identify any psychiatric issues which the accused may have.

Mr Gordon’s defence solicitor Stephen McNamara highlighted that his client also had mental health issues.

He said he was not applying for bail on Monday as “there still needs to be some checks done” before he can lodge an application.

Refusing Mr Moore’s application for Mr Rainey to be held at the Shannon Clinic, Judge King said the police objections “are well made.”

“It’s of note that there have been three reported escapes from that facility…so I’m not minded to return him to anywhere apart from HMP Maghaberry,” concluded the judge.

Both defendants were remanded into custody and while Mr Rainey’s case was adjourned to July 6th, Mr Gordon’s bail application will be heard on June 20th.

Ms Mitchell was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday, June 3rd last in Ballymena town centre.

Detectives investigating her disappearance opened a murder inquiry on Sunday after suspected human remains were found in Ballymena.

Forensic officers attended a flat in James Street on Sunday evening. The property was cordoned off by police last week.

The discovery of remains came after extensive searches across Ballymena. Searches took place along the banks of the River Braid as well as in the water and surrounding areas. Police thanked the community in Ballymena and search and rescue teams for their help in trying to find Ms Mitchell.

A prayer vigil for Ms Mitchell was held at a local church on Sunday evening.