A court sketch captured Young’s appearance during the proceedings, showing him with a shaved side and longer hair on top, wearing a stud earring and a dark shirt. This image, provided by AAP and illustrated by Paul Tyquin, depicts the man at the center of this tragic case.

After committing the murder, Young left the scene and used McGuire’s phone to send misleading messages to her mother, Debbie. The messages falsely suggested that McGuire intended to end her own life.

The presiding judge condemned Young’s actions as being deeply disrespectful to the memory of Hannah McGuire, highlighting the brutality and betrayal involved. “This is another case of a man using violence and his superior strength to murder a vulnerable woman who trusted him,” the judge remarked.

“This is another case of a man using violence and his superior strength to murder a vulnerable woman who trusted him.”

Besides his plea, there was no real evidence of remorse for killing a vulnerable woman who was loved by so many, the judge said.

“[McGuire] was obviously a very special, warm, talented, giving and thoughtful person who lived her life with the interests of those around her at the forefront.”

‘Journey towards healing’

There were gasps of “yes” but Young, dressed in all black, stared straight ahead at the judge.

Hannah McGuire’s parents, Debbie and Glenn, read a statement outside the Ballarat court after the sentencing hearing. Source: AAP / Con Chronis

Young will be eligible for parole after serving 22 years and four months.