Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn has had his murder conviction overturned following an appeal to Victoria’s Court of Appeal. The 59-year-old pilot previously faced a 32-year prison sentence for the death of retiree Carol Clay. Judges found serious irregularities occurred throughout the original trial. These irregularities constituted a substantial miscarriage of justice. The Court of Appeal ordered a new trial to proceed immediately.
The original conviction stemmed from deaths occurring in March 2020 at a remote campsite in Victoria’s High Country. Carol Clay, a 73-year-old retiree, died during a confrontation involving Lynn. Russell Hill, her 74-year-old camping companion, also perished during the same incident. Lynn was convicted of murdering Clay but acquitted of Hill’s death. The case triggered one of Victoria’s most extensive missing person investigations.
Greg Lynn Police Interview
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— Nights With Ping (@NightsWithPing) July 20, 2024
Original Trial Verdict and Sentencing
A Supreme Court jury convicted Lynn last year after hearing evidence during a five-week trial. The jury found Lynn guilty of the single murder charge relating to Clay’s death. Justice imposed a 32-year prison sentence with a non-parole period of 24 years. Lynn consistently maintained throughout the trial that the deaths resulted from tragic accidents. He stated separate struggles involving a knife and a shotgun caused the fatal injuries.
The prosecution argued that Lynn likely shot Clay after Hill’s death during the confrontation. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting deliberate intent existed during the incident. The jury accepted the prosecution’s arguments regarding Clay’s death. The verdict deeply affected the families involved in the case, particularly Hill’s relatives.
Grounds for the Appeal
Lynn’s legal team filed the appeal citing four principal grounds for overturning the conviction. Prosecution misconduct during closing arguments formed the primary argument. Defence counsel argued the prosecution violated rules governing trial conduct. Irregularities in judicial procedures also featured prominently in the appeal submission. The 32-year sentence was described as manifestly excessive in the circumstances.
Defence lawyer Dermot Dann KC led the appeal process on Lynn’s behalf. The legal team contended the prosecution made statements that prejudiced the jury unfairly. These statements allegedly exceeded appropriate limits for closing arguments. The defence argued cumulative errors throughout the trial denied Lynn a fair hearing.
Court of Appeal Decision
A three-judge panel of Victoria’s Court of Appeal heard the appeal on 31 October 2025. Court of Appeal President Karin Emerton presided over the proceedings. Justice Phillip Priest and Justice Peter Kidd also sat on the bench. The judges reviewed transcripts and heard arguments from both legal teams. The hearing concluded with a decision handed down on 10 December 2025.
The judges found “a number of serious irregularities in the course of the trial.” These irregularities resulted in a substantial miscarriage of justice. The Court of Appeal determined the original conviction could not stand based on these findings. The three judges unanimously agreed a new trial should proceed. The conviction for murdering Carol Clay was set aside completely. A retrial was ordered to determine Lynn’s guilt or innocence afresh.
Gregg Lynn’s appeal was overturned
Current Status and Next Steps
Lynn remains in custody pending his bail application submission. The court remanded him until 28 January 2026. A further court appearance is scheduled for that date. Legal proceedings will address bail conditions at the January hearing. The retrial itself will be scheduled following the bail determination. No date for the new trial has been set at this stage.
Lynn embraced his legal team as he left the courtroom following the decision. Members of Hill’s family were heard sobbing during the brief hearing. The emotional reaction underscored the case’s impact on those involved. Hill’s relatives expressed distress at the appeal’s successful outcome. Lynn’s family members displayed visible relief at the conviction’s overturn.
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Defence Position and Historical Context
Lynn has consistently maintained the deaths occurred as tragic accidents. He contends separate altercations over weapons caused the fatal injuries. The confrontation began when he encountered the couple whilst hunting near the campsite. A struggle involving a shotgun allegedly caused one death. A separate knife struggle allegedly resulted in the second death. Lynn stated he did not intend to cause harm to either person.
After his arrest in November 2021, Jetstar suspended Lynn from his pilot position. The airline terminated his employment following the conviction. The case received significant media attention throughout Australia. Public interest remained high during the trial and appeal process. The High Country deaths captured the nation’s attention for over four years.
Media Commentary and Legal Analysis
Defence counsel Dermot Dann KC declined to comment on specific case details following the hearing. He stated the pending retrial made public comment inappropriate at this time. The lawyer did not confirm whether Lynn would pursue bail before the January court date. Media organisations questioned Dann extensively as he left the courthouse. He maintained a professional stance regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Court of Appeal’s findings represent a significant development in the High Country case. Overturning convictions on appeal remains relatively uncommon in Victoria. The court’s identification of serious irregularities suggests procedural errors occurred. The retrial will provide both prosecution and defence with fresh opportunity. The outcome remains uncertain as the case enters its new phase.
The forthcoming retrial will attract continued public and media scrutiny. The facts examined previously will be presented before a new jury. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt once more. The defence will present arguments challenging the evidence again. The trial’s outcome will ultimately determine Lynn’s fate in this complex case.
