Murder witness sentenced to community work over Easter egg theft
Benjamin O'Keefe, 25, received a one-year community corrections order for Easter egg theft and street affray.
Benjamin O'Keefe, 25, faced Ballarat Magistrates' Court on October 2. O'Keefe received a one-year community corrections order (CCO) for the theft and street affray.
O'Keefe must also complete 120 hours of unpaid community work. In July 2025, O'Keefe appeared as a witness in Hannah McGuire's murder trial.
It was alleged he helped dispose of her Mitsubishi Triton after her death. O'Keefe said he did not know her body was in the car when he watched it burn.
Lachlan Young later pleaded guilty to murdering McGuire and was sentenced to 28 years in prison. His lawyer said O'Keefe faced major fallout from the trial and lost his carpentry job.
- Delacombe residence on January 19, 2026
- Affray location
- 120 hours unpaid work under one-year CCO
- Community work
Why it mattersThe sentencing settles charges from O'Keefe's role in a high-profile murder case. But he avoids jail time.
AustraliaA key witness in Victoria's Hannah McGuire murder case has now faced court consequences in Ballarat for unrelated crimes committed during the aftermath of the investigation.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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