Judge sentences Jaymes Todd to a non-parole period of 35 years for crimes described as crimes as ‘sadistic’ and ‘categorically evil’

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Eurydice Dixon’s father said he hoped the man who raped and killed his daughter “gets better,” shortly after the killer was sentenced to to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 35 years.

Jaymes Todd stalked Dixon, 22, for more than an hour before attacking her as she walked through Princes Park following a comedy gig ‪on 12 June‬ last year.

“Your actions in doing so were of pure and unmitigated evil,” Justice Stephen Kaye said in his sentencing remarks on Monday.

Dixon was “totally vulnerable and defenceless” when she was raped and killed in the park, Kaye said.

Eurydice Dixon: Jaymes Todd pleads guilty to rape and murder of comedian Read more

“You knew what you were doing was wrong, well understanding the effects of choking a female victim.”

Outside the court on Monday, Dixon’s father Jeremy said he hoped Todd “gets better” before his earliest possible release in 2054.

“What I’d wish for Jaymes Todd, and what I believe Eurydice would wish, is that he gets better and realises what he’s done,” Dixon said outside court on Monday.

“I extend my sincere sympathy to those who love him. It’s a terrible tragedy all round.

“Eurydice herself should be remembered as her friends will remember her - for her wit, her courage and her kindness, not for her death.”

After the murder, the then-19-year-old bought a pie and coffee, went back to the Carlton North crime scene and searched online for rape material as well as stories about his victim.

It wasn’t until a friend threatened to turn Todd in to police after CCTV footage of him was broadcast that the killer handed himself in.

But he repeatedly lied to officers about what happened at the park.

“You spun a farrago of lies to try to evade responsibility for what you had done,” Justice Kaye said.

After homicide squad detectives wanted to get forensic evidence including DNA, Todd confessed to the horrific crime.

“Don’t worry about the DNA. I did it. I will tell you everything,” Todd admitted to police.

Before the murder, Todd fantasised about violent rape culminating in a woman’s death and he was diagnosed with sexual sadism disorder while in custody.

Justice Kaye said Todd’s “dark and sick fantasy” and sexual sadism disorder drove the crime, not his mild autism, but conceded the autism was a small, mitigating factor.

His upbringing, including living in a home of “complete squalor” were also mitigating factors, Kaye said.