More than 60 of Chloe Mitchell's loved ones pack a Belfast court as the jury is sworn in for her murder trial

Brandon Rainey, 30, of James Street, Ballymena, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Chloe Mitchell on 3 June 2023 and to a charge of obstructing her lawful burial. Mitchell, 21, was last seen on CCTV in Ballymena town centre in the early hours of that date before the PSNI mounted an extensive search. Her remains were discovered days later, prompting detectives to open a murder inquiry.

Mr Justice Fowler told jurors the trial is expected to last four to five weeks, with first evidence due Wednesday.

The judge warned jurors to avoid social media, press coverage and any outside discussion of the case.