The family of Chloe Mitchell, who was tragically killed in Ballymena in 2023, have begged for the ongoing barristers’ strike to be resolved, fearing further delays will only compound their unimaginable trauma.
Chloe’s father, George Mitchell, has said any delay to the trial would bring “more trauma and heartache” to the family, who are desperately seeking justice and closure. The barristers’ strike, which began on 5 January, has halted all Crown Court cases involving legally-aided defendants, including Chloe’s murder trial.
Linda McDowell, Chloe’s aunt, said she would “go down on my hands and knees to beg for some kind of compromise” to end the industrial action. “This is really devastating. We’re already destroyed, but this is destroying us more,” she told the BBC’s Nolan Show.
The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has described the strike as a “last resort” that is “not being taken lightly”, stating it is “not impervious” to the impact on victims’ families. Justice Minister Naomi Long said “intensive efforts” were ongoing to resolve the dispute, proposing a way forward that would address the CBA’s concerns while managing public finances.
George Mitchell said the family could not get any closure, with his wife Georgina barely leaving their home since Chloe’s death and unable to attend court dates. “Your heart is set on a date. Then we have to go back and tell my wife that it’s all set back again and it’s more trauma and heartache,” he said.
The trial of 29-year-old Brandon John Rainey, who is accused of Chloe’s murder, was due to begin on 26 February 2026. Rainey denies both charges and is currently on remand.
Chloe’s family have appealed to both the Justice Minister and the CBA to find a resolution, with George Mitchell stating: “Think of the families. Sort something out and get back to work.” They fear other families may face similar anguish if the strike continues, with George saying: “We’re in limbo. We’ll be running into three years soon. We’re trying to see if we can get some kind of justice, a bit of closure.”
