A man accused of raping and killing a woman who was found dead on a soccer field in Melbourne is at risk of harm while in custody, a court has heard.



Jaymes Todd, 19, from Broadmeadows, appeared in Melbourne magistrates’ court on Thursday charged with rape and murder, after handing himself into police on Wednesday night.



The body of Eurydice Dixon, 22, was found on the Princes Park field in Carlton North by a passerby about 3am on Wednesday.



Police allege Todd raped and murdered her sometime between 10.30pm on Tuesday and when the body was discovered.

Woman's body found on Melbourne football field in Carlton North Read more

Todd kept his eyes lowered for some time after taking his place in the dock in court.



Victoria Legal Aid lawyer John Riordan said it was Todd’s first time in custody and stressed his vulnerability in that environment due to his youth and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.



The lawyer argued Todd should not be publicly identified for several days while more information on his disorder was sought.



Sharing Todd’s identity would also compromise his safety in custody, he said.



“The risk is real and significant whilst he is in custody,” Mr Riordan said.



Intense media scrutiny of Todd’s case and the impact that publicity may have on the reliability of witness statements still being gathered were among other reasons the lawyer gave to justify the suppression.



But magistrate Andrew McKenna ruled only images of Todd’s face should be withheld from publication.



“Prison officers are very much aware of the high priority of safety and security being assured,” the magistrate said in relation to Todd’s safety in custody.



Todd was remanded to reappear in the court on October 3.