Life sentence for Eurydice Dixon’s killer
The man who raped and murdered aspiring Melbourne comedian Eurydice Dixon in an “evil” attack has been sentenced to life in prison, while her father has shown compassion for the killer.
Jaymes Todd followed and murdered Eurydice Dixon. Photo: AAP/David Crosling
Jaymes Todd stalked Ms Dixon, 22, for more than an hour before attacking her as she walked through Princes Park following a comedy gig on June 12, 2018.
Outside court, her father Jeremy Dixon said he was glad his daughter’s killer was off the streets but also hoped Todd became a better person.
“What I wish for Jaymes Todd, and I believe Eurydice would wish, is that he gets better and realises what he’s done,” Dixon told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.
“I extend my sympathy, my sincere sympathy for those who love him. It’s a terrible tragedy all around.
“Eurydice herself should be remembered as her friends will remember her – for her wit, her courage and her kindness, not for her death.”
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kaye sentenced Todd to life in prison and he must serve at least 35 years before he can apply for parole.
“Your actions in doing so were of pure and unmitigated evil,” the judge said in his sentencing remarks on Monday.
Ms Dixon was “totally vulnerable and defenceless” when she was raped and killed in the park, Justice Kaye said.
“You knew what you were doing was wrong, well understanding the effects of choking a female victim.”
After the murder, the then-19-year-old bought a pie and coffee, went back to the Carlton North crime scene and googled rape and pornography as well as stories about his victim.
He was diagnosed with sexual sadism disorder while in custody.
Before the murder, Todd fantasised about violent, non-consensual sex culminating in a woman’s death.
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, Justice Kaye said.
-AAP
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