Jon Boutcher also told MPs there is currently an acceptance in society of misogyny which he has never seen before.

Mitchell was found dead in Ballymena in June 2023.

Ms Mitchell’s sister Nadine Mitchell said her family would be ‘over the moon’ the trial would finally be able to go ahead.

There had been fears the case would be delayed due to an ongoing strike by criminal barristers over legal aid fees.

The agreement came after a ‘constructive’ meeting on Sunday between Justice Minister Naomi Long and the Criminal Bar Association.

The five MLAs for North Antrim and MP Jim Allister have written a joint letter to the Criminal Bar Association requesting special dispensation.

Her brother Philip said it has been a devastating time for his family, describing a sense of emptiness without his younger sister.