Lachlan Young, a 23-year-old man accused of killing his former girlfriend Hannah McGuire, has admitted to the killing but denied committing murder, claiming it was an “unplanned and spontaneous” act.
Facing the Victorian Supreme Court in Ballarat, Young pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, but prosecutors allege he premeditated the murder after realising their relationship was over and fearing the loss of their shared home.
Crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill told the jury that Young had exhibited controlling and abusive behaviour towards McGuire and had even discussed plans with a workmate to drug her and stage a fatal car crash.
On 5th of April 2024, McGuire went to the couple’s property and was never seen alive again. Prosecutors allege Young murdered her during the early hours of the morning, placed her body in her vehicle, and set the car ablaze in a remote location.
Young then allegedly used McGuire’s phone to send fake suicide messages to her mother and transferred money from her bank account, including \$5,000 to himself and \$2,000 to her mother, in an attempt to support the suicide narrative.
Despite admitting to killing McGuire and covering it up, Young’s defense argues the act was not premeditated murder and urged the jury to scrutinize the testimony of his workmate and consider the complexities of the case.
The trial continues before Justice James Elliott.
