A mother has broken down in court while recounting the desperate messages she sent her daughter, believing the young woman had taken her own life.

Lachlan Young was accused of sending messages from Hannah McGuire’s phone following her alleged murder. He purportedly disposed of her body by burning it in a ute located in a secluded area of Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat.

Young has admitted to killing his former partner and sending the fake suicide note to her mother.

A second intervention order was made in March 2024 after she decided to leave Young and he attacked her car as she tried to recover her belongings.

During cross-examination by Young’s lawyer, Glenn Casement, Mrs. McGuire refuted claims that her daughter willingly met with Young after their breakup, including on the evening she died.

Ms McGuire’s father Glenn also told the court he was unaware of their supposed meet-ups.

Mr. McGuire testified about accompanying his daughter to both a lawyer and a bank in early April 2024 to address her financial matters following the separation.

He broke down as he recounted the last time he saw Hannah at their pub with her netball teammates on the evening of April 4.

She was allegedly murdered by Young hours later.

The trial before Justice James Elliott continues.

Help is available from the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.