Lynn, aged 59, sat quietly in the Victorian Supreme Court this morning as his bail hearing commenced.
He faces accusations of murdering 73-year-old Carol Clay, who, along with 74-year-old Russell Hill, vanished from a campsite in northeastern Victoria in March 2020.
Prosecutor Mark Gibson KC presented allegations that Clay was fatally shot with a projectile from Lynn’s firearm.
Gibson contended that the case against Lynn is robust, advocating against granting him bail.
In contrast, Lynn’s defense attorney, Dermot Dann KC, argued for his client’s release, asserting that the prosecution’s case lacks strength.
“This case presents unique challenges,” Dann stated, countered by Justice David Beach, who described the allegations as “terrible and shocking.”
The barrister said there were exceptional reasons to grant Lynn bail, including his difficult conditions in custody and his diagnosed heart condition for which he was awaiting surgery.
Prosecutors were also not alleging he was a risk of endangering the community, Dann said.
“He’s not suggested to be an unacceptable risk,” the barrister told the court.
“Your Honour can impose stringent conditions if there were any slight concerns.”
Conditions could include a curfew and a prohibition from attending any points of departure, Dann said.
The defence barrister said Lynn also had strong family support, with his son Geordie and wife of 22 years Melanie in attendance today.
Geordie Lynn was also willing to provide accommodation and put forward his “life savings” as a bail guarantor, the barrister argued.
Gibson argued the range of circumstances did not reach the high bar of being exceptional.
“In our case, the applicant doesn’t get to that point and bail should be refused,” he said.
Justice David Beach reserved his decision on bail to March 5.
He flagged that Lynn could face a trial as early as July.
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