The devastated family of a woman allegedly murdered in western Victoria have cried as her accused killer faced court, before appearing emotional on the court steps.
Lachlan Young, 21, was brought into the dock at Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning flanked by two custody officers.
He was charged with murder on Monday after the body of Hannah McGuire was found in a burnt-out car at Scarsdale, about 25km south of Ballarat.
Emergency services were called to a vehicle on fire in bushland on 5 April, where they found the 23-year-old Clunes woman's remains.
Police prosecutor Steven Repac said there were family members in court, and crying could be heard as Young's case was called.
Hannah McGuire was remembered by the Clunes Cricket Club as a "bright young woman and had a heart of gold". Source: Supplied / GoFundMe
"Defence have been given nothing by police," defence lawyer Crystal Caruana told the court.
"All the information we have is being received from the media at this stage and it would appear as though police have swooped very quickly in this matter."
"It would be assumed that there is enough evidence against Mr Young to charge him with murder."
She flagged Young could apply for bail in the Supreme Court, but needed this evidence to do so.
Deleted CCTV material
Acting Sergeant Repac said there were multiple crime scenes to be analysed along with CCTV, DNA evidence and forensic analysis.
This included deleted CCTV material, which police needed to recover and re-examine, he said.
"There is some complexity to it, obviously, given the nature of the investigation," he said.
Emergency services were called to a vehicle on fire in bushland at Scarsdale, 25km south of Ballarat, on Friday morning. Source: Supplied / Google Maps
Caruana said it was Young's first time in custody and he was suffering from declining mental health.
He will be seen by a nurse in custody for a medication and mental health review.
Young will return to court for a committal mention on 19 September.
Police have alleged Young knew McGuire.
Plea for privacy
Outside court, McGuire's family members appeared emotional as they stood behind their lawyer Brooke Tamanika while she addressed media.
"As you can imagine, this is a very devastating time for the family, for Hannah's loved ones and for our community as a whole," she said.
"The family have been assisting police, however I cannot comment on the status of the matter."
She asked the public to respect the privacy of McGuire's family and give them time to mourn.
Lawyer Brooke Tamanika (right) and family members of victim Hannah McGuire leave Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Source: AAP / James Ross
"As a community we send our deepest love and condolences to Glenn, Debbie, Jude and Fletcher," the club said.
"Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold."
The cricket club described McGuire's parents as club sponsors and "very generous people".
"All proceeds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses the family may need during this tough time," the club said.
