Add Category
A 22-year-old man accused of murdering 23-year-old Clunes woman Hannah McGuire earlier this year has pleaded not guilty.
Lachlan Young appeared via video link in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court this morning to formally enter the plea.
He elected to progress his matter to the Supreme Court for trial.
Mr Young will next appear in court in October for a directions hearing.
Ms McGuire was reported missing by family in April.
Her body was found later that day near State Forest Road in Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat, in a burnt-out vehicle.
Lachlan Young has been charged with one count of murder over the death of Hannah McGuire. (Supplied: Instagram)
Dozens of Ms McGuire's friends and family appeared in court this morning, wearing t-shirts in homage to her.
"She matters," the shirts read.
Nicole van Berkel, a lifelong friend of Ms McGuire's parents, said she was devastated hearing the not guilty plea.
"There's not much to say," she said.
"It's just a tragic loss, just senseless."
Nicole van Berkel, a lifelong friend of Hannah McGuire's parents. (ABC Ballarat: Eden Hynninen)