Former Jetstar pilot Gregory Lynn’s trial in the Supreme Court for the alleged murders of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay has been delayed until next year due to “funding issues”.
Lynn’s lawyer, Dermot Dann KC requested the delay at a pre-trial hearing in Melbourne, saying it would take a “long time” to resolve the “privately-funded matter”.
Lynn has been charged with two counts of murder and has pleaded not guilty. His trial was originally expected to take place in October.
Pre-trial arguments will still take place during that month. Judicial registrar Tim Freeman agreed that Lynn’s funding issues would be a barrier for an October trial, and ordered a new date to take place within the first few months of 2024. He told the court he would be expecting the trial to take place no later than mid-February.
The trial is expected to last for six weeks. Lynn watched the proceedings via video link. A further directions hearing will take place on June 22.
Police allege that on Friday, March 20, 2020, Lynn, 55, killed 75-year-old Russell Hill and 73-year-old Carol Clay.
Mr Hill and Ms Clay vanished from their campsite in the Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020. Other campers found their burnt out campsite.
The human remains found near Dargo in November 2021 were confirmed by Victoria Police to be that of Ms Clay and Mr Hill.
Lynn was arrested without incident on November 22, 2021.
Carol Clay and Russell Hill’s remains were found near Dargo in November 2021.
