Lachlan Young, 23, has been sentenced to 28 years in jail for the murder of his former partner, Hannah McGuire.
Young strangled McGuire in their Sebastopol home, near Ballarat, before putting her body in her ute and driving it to remote bushland in Scarsdale. He then set the vehicle on fire.
Young staged the scene to look like a suicide, using McGuire’s phone to send a message to her mother. He also transferred $2000 from McGuire’s bank account to her mother and $5000 to himself.
Young initially denied murdering McGuire as the case went to trial but after eight days of evidence, he admitted to strangling her.
Young was sentenced to 28 years’ jail with a non-parole period of 22 years and four months in the Supreme Court of Victoria today.
McGuire was just 23-years-old at the time she was brutally murdered by Young in April 2024. Two weeks before she was murdered, Hannah reportedly sought help from police over Young for her safety. She had taken out protection orders against him and was separating from their relationship.
In court, Justice James Elliott told Young: “You brutally murdered Ms McGuire in the home she shared with you”. Justice Elliot said Young took “deliberate deceitful steps” to conceal his crimes.
McGuire’s family and friends were in court to hear the sentence.
Speaking outside court, Hannah’s mother, Debbie, said: “While nothing can bring back what we’ve lost or erase the pain we continue to carry, today’s outcome is an important step in our journey towards healing.”
Debbie McGuire had previously remembered Hannah as a “kind, intelligent, vibrant” young woman who “cared deeply for every person who entered her life”.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.