A 21-year-old man will face a Supreme Court trial for the alleged murder of Hannah McGuire, after he elected to have his case fast-tracked in front of more than 50 of her supporters.
Lachlan Young, wearing a maroon T-shirt, faced Ballarat Magistrates Court by video link from prison today, when he formally pleaded not guilty to the 23-year-old woman’s murder.
McGuire’s body was found in a burnt-out car in Scarsdale, about 25km south of Ballarat, on April 5.
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Police will allege Young murdered McGuire in the Ballarat suburb of Sebastopol on that date, according to court documents.
There was standing room only in the regional court room, as McGuire’s parents sat in the front row surrounded by dozens of supporters donning the same T-shirt: “She matters – remembering Hannah McGuire”.
Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz informed the court Young had chosen to fast-track his case to the Supreme Court, meaning he will not face a committal hearing in the lower court.
“Mr Young has elected to stand trial,” she said.
“The effect of this is that his matter will now be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court.
“It is important to remember that the election of the accused to stand trial is a different process to the accused being committed.”
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Young’s lawyer, Crystal Caruana, said her client had been spoken to by instructing solicitors and counsel, and had “a strong understanding” of the implications of standing trial.
Mykytowycz asked Young how he pleaded to the single charge of murder.
“Not guilty,” Young responded.
He will face the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on October 3.
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