REPORTING on the Russell Hill and Carol Clay murder case ahead of its trial was discussed during Friday’s committal hearing, with the accused’s lawyer putting forward a submission for a suppression order.
Police allege that on Friday, March 20 2020, Caroline Springs man Greg Lynn, 55, killed 75-year-old Russell Hill and 73-year-old Carol Clay. Lynn has been charged with their murders. He denies killing the pair. The five-day committal hearings began last week to determine if there is enough evidence to take the case to a criminal trial in the Supreme Court.
The application for a suppression order put forward by the accused’s lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, is believed to be in relation to two items of evidence from police interviews, described by him as “potentially game-changing on how the trial will be run by the prosecution”.
The media have been informed that the “order is sought to prevent a real and substantial risk of prejudice to the proper administration of justice”.
The prosecution does not oppose the suppression application.
Magistrate Brett Sonnet said he did not want a delay in the trial, and noted its high profile.
“Justice delayed, justice denied. The alleged murders occurred some time ago. There’s been a significant delay. It’s in everyone’s interest for the parties that if a trial was to be heard, that it be heard as soon as possible,” he said.
Lawyers acting for some media organisations opposed aspects of the suppression order, telling the court that only parts of an interview with the accused should be redacted, and the court should “suppress the bare minimum to achieve its purpose”.
Mr Sonnet adjourned his decision on the application until the next hearing on the morning of Monday, January 23 (yesterday). This is about the same time this newspaper goes to print, with three more witnesses set to give evidence.
Russell Hill and Carol 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.
