A Supreme Court justice has questioned whether the man who raped and murdered 22-year-old comedian Eurydice Dixon in Melbourne’s Princes Park last year did so with premeditation, saying he could potentially face life behind bars for his abhorrent crime.
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The Age reports Broadmeadows man Jaymes Todd, 20, faced a plea hearing yesterday where Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kaye interrogated his alleged motives behind the June attack.
Todd, who plead guilty to Dixon’s rape and murder last year, has argued through defense counsel Tim Marsh that the late-night killing was not premeditated – and that despite stalking Dixon for four kilometres across the city, Todd only chose to attack when she left the Princes Park footpath.
But the court also heard a search of Todd’s computer revealed a fascination with violent pornography simulating choking, rape and murder, and that he watched similar videos six hours after Dixon’s body was discovered.
“Why shouldn’t that lead me to the conclusion that’s why he choked her to death?” Justice Kaye asked, questioning if his “intent to kill was driven by thoughts, fantasies and pornography”.
Justice Kaye said if the court could establish Todd planned the rape and murder before he attacked, he would consider a sentence of life imprisonment.
News.com.au reports the court heard details of how Todd stalked Dixon with “some sophistication” after seeing her near Flinders Street Station, where he saw the young comic bid her partner Tony Magnuson a good night as he caught a tram home.
Dixon had sent Magnuson a text message in the minutes saying she was almost home in the minutes before her death, the court heard.
“I am suffering from constant insomnia” Magnuson reportedly told the court in a victim impact statement, adding he often wakes to the sound of screaming.
“There is no doubt in my mind I will never look at the human race in the same way again,” he said.
The sentiment was echoed by Dixon’s sister Polly Cotton. ABC reports she told the court “I suffer PTSD. Any mention of the word ‘rape’ or ‘murder’ and I freeze up in terror.
“Sadly, the strongest emotion I feel is anger. I am seething in anger. My rage is irrational.”
The plea hearing will continue today before sentencing.
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
If you’d like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
