Accused killer Greg Lynn to defend charges he murdered campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay
The flight attendant wife of accused campsite killer Greg Lynn has smiled and shown her support in court as her husband prepares to defend the murder charges against him.
Police & Courts
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Accused campsite killer Greg Lynn has confirmed he will fight the murder charges levelled against him as it was revealed investigators will do a final search of the high country near where missing pairRussell Hill and Carol Clay were last seen.
The former Jetstar pilot was ordered to face a committal hearing in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in January to defend charges he killed the elderly campers in March 2020.
Mr Hill, 74, and Ms Clay, 73, were last heard from on March 20 while camping in the Wonnangatta Valley, near Wonnangatta Station, about 350km northeast of Melbourne.
In February this year, investigators confirmed human remains found in bushland near Dargo belonged to Mr Hill and Ms Clay.
Mr Lynn, 55, was charged with the pair’s murder in November last year following an arduous 20-month investigation.
Dressed in a suit and tie, the accused killer was supported during the online hearing on Tuesday by his wife, flight attendant Melanie Lynn, who smiled at her husband via the court’s video link.
The Sale Magistrates’ Court heard a number of witnesses would be called during the long-awaited committal hearing, including a firearms expert, whose testimony would be “essential” to the case, the court heard.
Magistrate Tim Walsh said he had “an idea” of Mr Lynn’s “explanation” and therefore the statement of ballistics expert Paul Griffiths would prove “pretty critical”.
The committal – a hearing during which a magistrate will determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial – will occur exclusively online, in a bid to speed up the matter which has already faced lengthy delays.
“Given he’s been in custody since last November, we can get it on quicker online, which is in everybody’s interest,” Magistrate Walsh said.
In May, prosecutors requested an additional 12 months to compile material, including transcripts of covert listening devices used during the investigation.
Prosecutor Olivia Sparrow said some listening device and telephone intercept transcripts were still outstanding.
Ms Sparrow also revealed a further search of Wonnangatta and Mt Hotham was expected to take place.
Barrister Demot Dann, for Mr Lynn, said the defence was still waiting to receive these exhibits, adding his client remained unable to access any of the prosecution material while behind bars.
Mr Walsh agreed it was “extremely regrettable”.
“This is a very significant case, your client faces two counts of murder,” Mr Walsh said.
“It’s extremely regrettable he hasn’t been provided with those materials and I expect he be provided with them forthwith,” he said.
The committal is schedule to begin on January 16, following the court’s summer break and is expected to run at least four days.
Mr Lynn made no application for bail and will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.
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