Difficulty in Securing Psychiatrist for Murder Accused
There has been difficulty finding a psychiatrist to complete an assessment of the man accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell, a court has been informed.
Brandon Rainey, formerly of James Street in the town, denies murdering the 21-year-old in Ballymena in 2023 and preventing the lawful burial of her remains.
The 29-year-old is currently on remand in HMP Maghaberry and appeared at Belfast Crown Court by videolink on Tuesday.
Defence barrister Des Fahy KC provided the court with an update regarding psychologist and psychiatrist reports.
While an instructed psychologist has completed their assessment of the defendant and a report is expected by 26 May, there has been difficulty finding a psychiatrist.
The lawyer said his team had spoken to a number of psychiatrists but, as yet, no one had accepted taking the case on.
Fahy explained this was due to two factors -
"the extent of papers"in the case and
"competing professional commitments".
Judge Madam Justice McBride expressed concern over the delays, stating it was
"the concern of the court that this matter is dealt with as expeditiously as possible given the previous delay", but acknowledged
"a general problem with getting experts"in courts in Northern Ireland and beyond.
"I appreciate there is delay but I have been given good reasons why that delay has occurred,"she said.
"It's in everyone's interest to bring finality to this."
The case is scheduled to return to court on 29 May.
Background on the Case of Chloe Mitchell
Chloe Mitchell disappeared from Ballymena in early June 2023.
Her disappearance prompted extensive searches before her remains were discovered approximately a week later.
Rainey was arrested and charged with murdering Chloe between 2 and 5 June 2023.
He is also charged with attempting to prevent
"the lawful and decent burial of a deceased body".
