The mother of Hannah McGuire has bravely confronted her daughter’s killer in court, telling him she’ll “never forget” and “never forgive”.
In the Victorian supreme court on Monday, Debbie McGuire faced Lachlan Young, 23, who pleaded guilty to murder, admitting he strangled Hannah in their home on 5 April 2025.
“I hope every day for the rest of the accused’s life, he experiences the most intense pain imaginable,” Debbie told the court, in front of Young.
“I will never forget, and I will never forgive.”
With Hannah’s vibrant life taken too soon, Debbie said she would now have to live with profound grief and pain.
“Hannah was kind, intelligent, vibrant and cared deeply for every person who entered her life.”
“Unlike the accused, Hannah mattered,” Debbie said.
“She was important and loved and brought to this world things no one else could.”
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.
Soon after, Hannah’s body was found in a burnt car in Scarsdale, just outside Ballarat.
Young was arrested by police and charged with McGuire’s murder, initially telling officers he would “never f–ing harm that girl”.
However, eight days into his Supreme Court trial, Young pleaded guilty to murder.
Young admits to strangling Hannah, showing her body into a car, driving it to remote bushland and setting the vehicle on fire.
The court heard that Young then used Hannah’s phone to message her mum, Debbie, claiming suicidal thoughts. After that, he transferred $2000 from Hannah’s bank account to Debbie and $5000 to himself.
When Debbie went to Young’s house in a panic over Hannah’s well-being, he claimed that he didn’t know about the messages and hadn’t seen Hannah.
Crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill told the court Young’s lies and murder of Hannah followed months of controlling and abusive behaviour.
The court heard fifteen statements from friends and family who described Hannah as a kind, caring and vibrant young woman, who was studying to become a teacher.
Hannah’s father, Glenn McGuire shared sentiments of grief over his daughter’s death, saying: “I was supposed to be there to guide her and to support her to grow into the incredible woman she was becoming.”
“Instead, I had to bury her. I had to pick out a coffin instead of a graduation or a wedding dress.”
Hannah’s aunt, Michelle Smith said her heart is shattered and confronted Young, saying he “sat at our Christmas table and received gifts from us”.
“I am angry I treated him decently,” said Smith.
“I’m angry that because of him I will never spend another Christmas with Hannah, I will never be able to wish her another happy birthday.”