How detectives marked Greg Lynn guilty verdict in missing campers trial at the pub

The detectives whose hard work led to a guilty verdict against Greg Lynn quietly marked the occasion at a city pub.

The detectives whose work culminated in a guilty verdict against Greg Lynn quietly gathered at a CBD pub in Tuesday’s aftermath.

Unlike Lynn, few in the public would have recognised the sombre missing persons squad officers but they had been vindicated in what was arguably the state’s most high-profile case this century.

The pursuit of Lynn generated enormous pressure, both in terms of investigative expectation and the scrutiny of a protracted, high-stakes court process.

Their tactics and ethics came under question but, ultimately, a jury of 12 men and women taken from the street believed them, not the former Jetstar pilot.

Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn. Picture: Supplied

Police and forensics search for the remains of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Picture: Jason Edwards

The members have declined to comment but a statement from the victims’ families showed how much the result meant to them.

“We thank the Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad, particularly detective Inspector Andrew Stamper and Sergeant Brett Florence for their tireless investigative work over four-and-a-half years,” the statement said.

Greg Lynn talks about the the gun being pointed at him by Russell Clay in his police interview.

“They have gone above and beyond in their duties to solve this case and we sincerely thank them for their time, effort, persistence, care and professionalism to bring us answers.

Insp. Stamper, who was the head of missing persons when the case began, is a 35-year Victoria Police veteran who had previously served at the homicide and armed crime squads, the Purana taskforce and in the ethical standards department.

Sgt Florence, who has also served for decades, is a respected crime department investigator and is a former 3AW detective of the year award winner.

ANPR images of Greg Lynn driving on the Great Alpine Road the morning after Russell Hill and Carol Clay went missing.

A quiet gathering over a few frothies at the city pub seemed like the best way to mark the occasion.

Leading Senior Constable Danny Passingham was another who worked relentlessly on the case and, with Sgt Florence, carried out the crucial post-arrest interview of Lynn which persuaded him to own up to where he had disposed of the bodies.

Detective Senior Constable Abbey Justin was the MPS investigator first assigned to the case, whose legwork and diligence were regarded as vital throughout.

Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien of Victoria Police crime command commended the officers for their work on the “exhaustive and complex investigation”.