Four to stand trial over Geoffrey McLean’s alleged murder

The four people charged over the alleged murder and disappearance of Geoffrey McLean maintain their innocence and are set for trial.

A woman allegedly involved in a love-triangle conspiracy to repeatedly attack and then murder her partner, whose torso was found in a wheelie bin, has been ordered to stand trial.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Sheree May Glastonbury denied all charges arising from both the alleged murder of Geoffrey McLean and the months of violence preceding his death.

Her co-accused, Mark John Murphy, also pleaded not guilty to murder, but said he was guilty of assisting Ms Glastonbury in her alleged crime.

Prosecutors refused to accept that plea, meaning the duo will stand trial - alongside Mr Murphy’s twin brother, Peter, and his partner Lynette Sexton, who denied helping to hide Mr McLean’s body.

Ms Glastonbury, 49, and Mark Murphy, 51, were arrested and charged with offences including murder, attempted murder, assault and serious criminal trespass.

Prosecutors have previously alleged they subjected Mr McLean to a months-long campaign of home invasions and violence before finally murdering him.

Mr Murphy’s twin brother, Peter James Murphy, 51, and his partner Lynette Sexton, 50, were arrested and charged with aiding and abetting the alleged murder.

Prosecutors have previously alleged they aided in removing and storing Mr McLean’s body as part of “a conspiracy”.

While in custody, Ms Glastonbury has fought orders over contested assets and sought release on bail, with no success.

She has also had her hearing, to answer the charges, postponed three times – most recently complaining she could not read the evidence against her due to cataracts.

In court on Wednesday, Ms Glastonbury and Mark Murphy each pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and intentionally causing serious harm.

Those charges relate to alleged attacks upon Mr McLean, between April and August 2022, involving acid, log-splitters and other weapons.

Peter Murphy and Lynette Sexton each pleaded not guilty to assisting Ms Glastonbury and Mark Murphy in an offence by helping to dispose of Mr McLean’s body.