The trial of Brandon John Rainey, accused of the 2023 murder of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell, is set to proceed this month despite ongoing industrial action by criminal barristers in Northern Ireland. The development follows a “constructive” meeting on Sunday between Justice Minister Naomi Long and representatives from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), averting a further disruption to the court system.
The strike, stemming from a long-running dispute over legal aid fees, has effectively halted crown court cases involving defendants who require legal aid. Yet, the CBA has agreed to make an exception for the Mitchell case, signaling a potential breakthrough in the impasse. This decision comes after a similar derogation was granted to allow the trial of a man accused in the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan to move forward.
Justice Minister Long emphasized the importance of prioritizing victims, stating, “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.”
Accelerated Review of Legal Aid Fees
As part of the agreement, Minister Long has committed to an accelerated review of the fees structure for legal aid. The CBA has welcomed this commitment, expressing hope that it will lead to “urgent reforms” necessary for a full return to operate. Further meetings between the Department of Justice and the CBA are scheduled for next week to discuss the details of the review process.
Michael Chambers KC, vice-chairman of the CBA, said the association welcomed the minister’s “frank and constructive engagement,” adding that its members “want to be in court, dealing with cases like Chloe’s.” He stated the CBA’s position has consistently been to resolve the dispute and return to normal court operations.
The case centers around Chloe Mitchell, who was found dead in Ballymena in June 2023, days after being reported missing. Brandon John Rainey, 29, currently held at HMP Maghaberry, has been charged with her murder. He was formerly of James Street in Ballymena, according to court records.
Political Reaction and Calls for Resolution
North Antrim MP Jim Allister welcomed the news that the Mitchell trial would proceed, noting that the outcome was attainable once the minister agreed to revisit a plan for a fast-tracked review of the fees structure, initially proposed in mid-January. BBC News reported on Allister’s statement, expressing hope for a fair resolution to the ongoing CBA action.
The ongoing dispute highlights the critical demand for adequate funding for legal aid, ensuring access to justice for all, regardless of their financial circumstances. The CBA has argued that current fees are insufficient to attract and retain qualified barristers, leading to a decline in the quality of legal representation available to those who rely on legal aid.
What’s Next in the Chloe Mitchell Case and the Barristers’ Strike
The Chloe Mitchell murder trial is expected to begin this month, though a specific date has not yet been announced. The upcoming meetings between the Department of Justice and the CBA will be crucial in determining the scope and timeline of the accelerated review of legal aid fees. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence whether the CBA suspends or escalates its industrial action. The focus remains on securing a fair and sustainable system for legal aid funding, ensuring that justice can be served effectively for all citizens.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, or are seeking support, please reach out to Victim Support NI at https://victimsupportni.org.uk/.
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