Jury discharged in missing campers trial
The jury in the trial of a murder-accused pilot has been dismissed just minutes after the second day began.
Gregory Stuart Lynn, 57, returned before the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday for the second day of his trial — which was estimated to run for the next four to six weeks.
The father-of-two, a former Jetstar captain, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder relating to the disappearance of Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73, more than four years ago.
Shortly after 11am, the jury returned to court as Justice Michael Croucher said it was his “melancholic duty” to inform them they were to be discharged.
“Good morning members of the jury, it’s unfortunate you’re only going to be here for a very short time,” he said.
“For technical reasons, and the law is full of technical things, I’ve taken the view its appropriate you be discharged and a new jury be empanelled.
“I can only thank you and apologise that it’s worked out this way.”
Dozens packed the public gallery expecting to hear lawyers deliver their opening arguments, including Mr Lynn’s wife, Melanie, who sat in the upstairs gallery.
Mrs Clay and Mr Russell vanished while camping in the remote Wonnangatta Valley, about five hours northeast of Melbourne in March 2020.
A major search operation began after they were reported missing.
On Thursday, a jury of 14 Victorians was empaneled to hear the case, in a ballot process that took about one hour.
Providing a brief summary of the allegations, the presiding judge, Justice Michael Croucher, said it was alleged Mr Lynn was camping at Bucks Camp alongside Mr Hill and Ms Clay on March 20.
“It’ll be alleged that Mr Lynn shot Mrs Clay in the head and as a result killed her, and that Mr Lynn killed Mr Hill,” he said.
“These events are alleged to have occurred on March 20, 2020.”
On Thursday, Justice Croucher had warned jurors there had been “a lot of publicity” since the pair vanished, urging anyone who felt they could not be impartial to ask to be excused.
“Trial by jury represents an important contribution to our justice system,” he said.
“That system can’t operate unless people are prepared to put their hands up and perform the solemn duty in an impartial way.”
