A new trial awaits former pilot Greg Lynn, who stands accused of murdering a camper found dead alongside her clandestine partner.
The 59-year-old Lynn appeared before a full Court of Appeal in Melbourne, where a panel of three judges deliberated on his future today.
Lynn contested his conviction and sentencing for the murder of Carol Clay, 73, who vanished with Russell Hill, 74, from a secluded campsite in March 2020.
His legal team argued the conviction was unreliable, claiming the prosecution presented an unjust case and inadequately cross-examined Lynn.
Despite acknowledging shortcomings in the cross-examination, prosecutors dismissed allegations of an unfair trial.
The appeal judges inquired whether the prosecution would consider pursuing manslaughter charges for both fatalities in the event of a retrial.
Prosecutor Kathryn Hamill asked to be given time to discuss this with Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions and would pass a note to the court.
Today, three appeal judges returned to the court and allowed his appeal, ordering that he face a fresh trial over Clay’s murder conviction.
The judges found there were a number of “serious irregularities” that gave rise to a “substantial miscarriage of justice” as they set aside the murder conviction.
Hill’s daughters, Deborah and Colleen, sat in court and appeared emotional as the decision was handed down.
Lynn was remanded in custody and will return to the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on January 28.
