Hannah McGuire’s accused killer Lachlan Young pleads not guilty to murder in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court

The family of Hannah McGuire has broken down as the man accused of murdering the teacher’s aide pleaded not guilty in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court.

The grief-stricken family of slain Ballarat teacher’s aide Hannah McGuire has shook their heads and wiped away tears as her accused killer pleaded not guilty to murder.

Hannah’s parents Deb and Glenn were joined in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Thursday by more than 50 supporters wearing T-shirts with Hannah’s face on them and the words, “She Matters – Remembering Hannah McGuire”.

They intently watched the screen as Lachlan Young, who is charged with Hannah’s murder, beamed into the hearing via video link from Melbourne Assessment Prison.

The court heard Mr Young, 21, had chosen to fast-track his case to the Supreme Court, an option made available to killer accused following the Covid pandemic to help reduce the volume of matters in the lower courts.

Lachie Young has been charged with Hannah McGuire’s murder. Picture: Supplied

Hannah McGuire’s death shocked Ballarat. Picture: Supplied

Asked by magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz how he pleaded to the single charge of murder, Mr Young said: “Not guilty, your honour.”

She then cautioned him that he had 10 days to serve written notice if he intends to offer an alibi defence.

Any such notice would have to detail the person’s contact information who he intended to say he was with at the time of the alleged offence, she said.

Mr Young did not indicate if he would be making such a defence, only acknowledging that he understood what the magistrate was saying.

Ms McGuire’s body was located in a burnt-out car in bushland near State Forest Rd in Scarsdale on April 5.

Friends and family of Hannah McGuire at Ballarat Magistrates Court. Picture: Supplied

Supporters wore T-shirts that read: “She Matters – Remembering Hannah McGuire”. Picture: Supplied

Flowers lay on top of a burnt log where Hannah McGuire’s body was found. Picture: Ian Currie

Her death was initially deemed non-suspicious, until a Coroner found she was dead before the car was set alight.

An earlier court heard how Mr Young was on bail for unrelated assault and burglary charges at the time of the alleged murder.

Outside of court, Nicole Van Berkel, a family friend of Hannah, told of everyone’s grief since she was killed.

“It’s just a tragic loss,” Ms Van Berkel said. “It’s just senseless.”

She said it was “devastating” to hear her accused killer say the words “not guilty”.

Mr Young will face the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on October 3.

Originally published as Hannah McGuire’s accused killer Lachlan Young pleads not guilty to murder in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court