hannah mcguire

Justice for Hannah McGuire: Lachlan Young Jailed for Life Over Brutal Ex-Girlfriend Murder

A 28-year sentence handed down in the Ballarat Supreme Court has brought a sense of justice for the family of Hannah McGuire, a young Victorian woman whose life was tragically cut short by a jealous and controlling ex-boyfriend.

The sentencing of Lachlan Young marks the conclusion of a harrowing legal battle that has highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence and coercive control in Australia. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Young was sentenced to a non-parole period of 22 years for the murder of the 23-year-old, a crime the judge described as "callous" and driven by a desire to exert ultimate power over his former partner.

A Sentence That Echoed Through the Courtroom

The sentencing hearing at the Ballarat Supreme Court was filled with raw emotion as Justice Christopher Beale delivered the verdict. Lachlan Young, 27, showed no visible emotion as the sentence was read, but the impact of his actions was laid bare in the powerful victim impact statements and the chilling details of the crime.

Young had previously pleaded guilty to murdering Hannah McGuire in April 2024. The court heard that he lured her to a remote location near Scarsdale, south of Ballarat, under the pretence of a reconciliation. It was there that he strangled her and staged her body in a burnt-out car in a "callous and brazen" attempt to cover his tracks.

Justice Beale imposed a total sentence of 28 years, with a non-parole period of 22 years. In his sentencing remarks, he highlighted the "enormous and irreparable" harm caused to Hannah's family and the community.

"You murdered Ms McGuire in a callous and brazen way, staging her body in a burnt-out car," Justice Beale stated, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "You have deprived a young woman of her life and her family and friends of her love and companionship."

The court was told that Young had a history of violence and jealousy, and that the relationship had been marked by his controlling behaviour. The murder was the ultimate expression of that control—a final, horrific act of violence after Hannah had found the courage to leave him.

The Tragic Timeline: From Relationship to Tragedy

To understand the gravity of this case, it is essential to look at the timeline of events that led to Hannah McGuire's death. The relationship between Hannah and Lachlan Young had ended in the weeks prior to the murder. Like many victims of domestic violence, Hannah was navigating the difficult and often dangerous period following a separation.

On April 5, 2024, Hannah McGuire was last seen alive. Her disappearance sparked immediate concern among her family and friends. A missing person report was filed, and police began their investigation. It was Young himself who led police to the location where he had left Hannah's body.

He claimed initially that he had dropped her off and that she had been taken by unknown men, but his story quickly unraveled. Under police interrogation, Young confessed to strangling Hannah. He later led investigators to the remote bushland site where he had staged the scene and set the car alight.

The brutality of the crime sent shockwaves through the Ballarat community and beyond. It was a stark reminder that domestic violence does not always happen behind closed doors; it can escalate to extreme and public acts of violence.

Victim Impact: A Family Shattered

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the sentencing was the victim impact statements, which painted a vivid portrait of the vibrant young woman lost and the family left to pick up the pieces. Hannah's mother, Debbie McGuire, has become a vocal advocate for victims of domestic violence, channelling her unimaginable grief into a powerful call for change.

In her statement to the court, Debbie spoke of the "unbearable pain" of losing her daughter. "Our family has been destroyed by the selfish and evil actions of Lachlan Young," she said. "Hannah was a bright, beautiful soul with her whole life ahead of her. He didn't just take her life; he stole our future."

Hannah's sisters also delivered heart-wrenching statements, describing their bond as sisters and the void her absence has created. They spoke of the memories they now have to cherish without her physical presence and the ongoing trauma of knowing how she suffered in her final moments.

The family's courage in facing Young in court and sharing their grief has been widely admired. Their advocacy has helped to keep Hannah's name in the public eye and has amplified the national conversation about coercive control and the failures of the justice system to protect women.

The Broader Context: A Pattern of Violence

The murder of Hannah McGuire is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against women in Australia. In the same month that Hannah was killed, other women across the country also lost their lives to domestic violence, sparking renewed calls for action from governments and community groups.

The case has drawn parallels to other high-profile domestic violence murders, such as that of Hannah Clarke and her three children in Queensland. The common thread is often a history of coercive control—a pattern of behaviour that isolates, degrades, and instills fear in a victim, long before physical violence occurs.

Lachlan Young's history of violence, which was mentioned during the sentencing, suggests a pattern of behaviour that escalated to the ultimate crime. This has led to questions about whether the justice system is doing enough to intervene before such tragedies happen. Advocacy groups argue that more needs to be done to identify and manage high-risk offenders, and to support women leaving abusive relationships.

A Community in Mourning and a Call for Change

The sentencing of Lachlan Young has brought a sense of closure to the legal process, but for Hannah's family and the Ballarat community, the grief remains. The town of Ballarat, like many regional communities, has been deeply affected by this crime. Vigils and public gatherings were held in the wake of Hannah's death, with hundreds of people coming together to mourn and demand an end to violence against women.

The case has also highlighted the vital role of community support networks. In the aftermath of the murder, local organisations in Ballarat and across Victoria have reported an increase in demand for their services, as the public becomes more aware of the signs of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help.

Hannah's family, through their spokesperson, has expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from the community and from domestic violence advocates. They have also made it clear that their fight is not over. They intend to continue advocating for legislative changes that would see coercive control criminalised in Victoria, a move that is already underway in other states like New South Wales.

The Path Forward: Justice, Prevention, and Legacy

While Lachlan Young will spend the next two decades behind bars, the case of Hannah McGuire serves as a grim reminder of the work that still needs to be done. The sentencing closes one chapter, but it opens another in the national discourse on how to prevent such tragedies.

Legislative Reform

The push to criminalise coercive control is gaining significant momentum in Victoria. This form of abuse, which includes emotional manipulation, isolation, financial control, and intimidation, is often a precursor to physical violence and murder. By making it a specific criminal offence, police and courts would have greater powers to intervene early and protect potential victims. Hannah's case is a powerful catalyst for this change.

Improving Support Systems

There is a growing consensus that the justice system alone cannot solve the problem. Increased funding for domestic violence shelters, counselling services, and legal aid is crucial. Furthermore, education programs in schools and workplaces are needed to change cultural attitudes and teach young people about respectful relationships.

A Legacy of Strength

Hannah McGuire is being remembered not just as a victim, but as a vibrant and much-loved young woman. Friends describe her as kind, funny, and fiercely loyal. Her legacy will not be defined by the horrific way she died, but by the love she gave and the change her story is inspiring.

The fight for justice for Hannah is a fight for all women living in the shadow of violence. It is a fight for a future where women are safe in their relationships and in their communities. The sentence handed down to Lachlan Young is a step towards that justice, but the journey to end violence against women continues. Hannah's memory will be the driving force behind that journey.