The father of murdered Melbourne woman Eurydice Dixon has spoken out, as her killer Jaymes Todd was sentenced to a minimum non-parole period of 35 years behind bars.
Reading a statement outside court, the victim’s father, Jeremy Dixon, spoke movingly of his late daughter, and his hopes for the man who took her life so cruelly in a Melbourne park on June 12 last year.
WATCH: Eurydice Dixon’s father speaks out as killer is sentenced
‘What I wish for Jaymes Todd, and I believe Eurydice would wish, is that he gets better and realises what he’s done,’ Mr Dixon said.
‘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.’
Justice Stephen Kaye, who described the crime as ‘evil’, went into graphic detail during the sentencing, as he acknowledged the suffering of the victim at the hands of her depraved killer.
After murdering the young woman, it was revealed Todd, 19, bought a pie and coffee, returned to the Carlton North crime scene, and searched online for rape pornography, and news reports about the deceased.
‘Your actions in doing so were of pure and unmitigated evil,’ said the judge in his sentencing remarks, describing Eurydice as ‘totally vulnerable and defenceless’.
‘You knew what you were doing was wrong, well understanding the effects of choking a female victim.’
As well as his previously reported mild autism – which the judge rejected as the driving factor in his crime – it was revealed that Todd has been diagnosed with sexual sadism disorder.
Todd had fantasised about violent rape and murder, described by the judge as ‘dark and sick fantasy’. The judge also referenced his upbringing, including living in a home of ‘complete squalor’, as mitigating factors in his offending.
The crime stunned Melbourne, and galvanised widespread community action, including vigils and increased public dialogue about violence against women.
Rest in peace, Eurydice.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
