Hannah McGuire: Bail twist for Ballarat man accused of killing ex-girlfriend

Remy Varga and Gerogina Noack
The Nightly
Hannah McGuire's hometown is rallying behind her family following the young woman's death.

The Ballarat man charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend after her body was found in a burnt-out car was on bail when she died.

Lachlan Young, 21, was on bail for unrelated assault and burglary charges when he allegedly killed Hannah McGuire before dumping her body in a car in forest near Scarsdale and igniting the vehicle.

His father Anthony Young has also been charged over the alleged robbery, with both slated to face Melbourne County Court on May 6.

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The tight-knit regional community of Clunes, Ms McGuire’s home town, has rallied around her grieving family since the 23-year-old’s alleged murder.

Floral tributes were left outside the National Hotel, the local pub managed by the family, as it re-opened on Wednesday.

It is understood someone else has taken over running the pub for the grieving family.

Ms McGuire, 23, was reportedly at the pub less than two weeks ago, fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal.

Locals outside the pub said they were still in disbelief over the senseless tragedy.

“It’s the saddest thing, I can’t even believe it,” one patron told 7NEWS.

“To the young girl we gave her all the best.”

Hannah McGuire.
Hannah McGuire. Credit: Hannah McGuire/Facebook

Among the tributes pouring in, the young teacher has been remembered as a talented netballer, a dear friend, and a woman with a “heart of gold”.

“She was a strong leader amongst her peers, a fierce competitor and a friend to so many,” the Clunes Football Netball Club, which Ms McGuire played netball for, said in a statement.

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