‘Explosive’ evidence kept secret in missing campers case

Some of the “explosive” evidence against accused High Country killer Greg Lynn will remain secret as his lawyers fight for a fair trial.

The remains of Carol Clay and Russell Hill were found in the High Country.

Lawyers for accused High Country killer Greg Lynn have applied for a gag order prohibiting media reporting on “explosive” parts of evidence due to be heard next week.

Mr Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann KC told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday a suppression order was being sought to mitigate “sensational” reporting and to ensure his client got a fair trial.

“When I use the term sensationally, what I had in mind is that the content of these items of evidence may be seen as explosive in the eyes of readers or viewers,” Mr Dann said.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet said media reporting on the case had so far been fair, but he did single out one unnamed outlet for “sensational” reporting.

“I’ve tried to view as many of the articles and reporting as I possibly can, but there’s certainly at least one organisation which seems intent on highlighting particular aspects of the case,” he said.

Greg Lynn appearing in court accused of the murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Picture: Mollie McPherson

Lawyers acting on behalf of media organisations, including the Herald Sun, argued the order should not be made, or should be narrowed to allow reporting on some parts of evidence that were not in dispute.

“There will be aspects … benign aspects that do not need to be suppressed, they cannot possibly be prejudicial,” lawyer Sam White said.

But Mr Sonnet said that would require him to undertake a “forensic examination” of the evidence and for defence counsel to flag their objections ahead of Monday’s hearing.

“I’m not sure that that’s appropriate to do in a committal hearing,” he said.

Mr Sonnet will hand down his decision on Monday morning before lead investigator Brett Florence, a crime scene reconstruction expert and a ballistics expert are expected to take the stand.

After evidence is completed, Mr Lynn is expected to enter a formal plea of not guilty to the murders of Russell Hill, 75, and Carol Clay, 73.

Mr Sonnet will then make a decision, either on Monday or at a later date, as to whether there is enough evidence for Mr Lynn to stand trial in the Supreme Court.