Former airline pilot Greg Lynn will spend a minimum of 24 years behind bars for the “brutal” murder of camper Carol Clay, bringing an end to the long-running case.
Lynn learnt his fate in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday, October 18 as Clay’s family and friends looked on. As Justice Michael Croucher handed down a maximum 32-year jail term, Lynn stared straight ahead.
He will be eligible for parole after 24 years.
In June of this year, a jury of 12 found Lynn guilty of Clay’s murder, however, the 58-year-old was found not guilty of the killing of Russell Hill with the jury delivering a split verdict.
Hill and Clay were last heard from on March 20, 2020 when they were camping in the Wonnangatta Valley. The couple’s campsite was discovered by campers on March 21 allegedly destroyed by fire near Dry River Creek Track, Hill’s vehicle was found with signs of minor fire damage.
Lynn was arrested in relation to the camper’s disappearance on November 21, 2021 and was later charged with two counts of murder after he was questioned for several days by police.
He maintained during the trial that the two deaths were accidental and admitted to burning the crime scene and destroying their bodies. During the trial, Lynn shared his version of events, describing a “horrendous” scene after a struggle allegedly ensued over a shotgun that he claims led to the death of two missing campers.
During Friday’s sentencing, Justice Croucher described Lynn’s actions as “violent, brutal and horrific”, stating that the crime was “aggravated significantly” by his efforts to conceal Clay’s body and destroy the remains.
“This was just a terrible thing to do, hence my conclusion this is a very grave murder,” he said.
Justice Croucher also acknowledged the “profoundly moving” statements from Clay’s loved ones, later becoming emotional while addressing Hill’s family.
While they were not considered victims in the eyes of the law due to acquittal, Justice Croucher noted the pain they were clearly feeling.
“As one person to another, as a matter of common human decency, I should acknowledge their plight, their agony, their suffering – and I do,” the judge said.
Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann KC told reporters outside the court that his client will be appealing the sentence.
-with AAP.