Queensland man Benjamin James Milward has been sentenced to life behind bars for the brutal 2014 murder of French student Sophie Collombet.

The 28-year-old who pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Collombet is eligible for parole in 20 years.

As Milward was being taken away by guards in court, he looked at the Collombet family and said, "I'm so sorry".

View photos Benjamin James Milward has been sentenced to life. Image: 7 News More

View photos Sophie was raped and murdered in 2014. Image: AAP More

In Brisbane's Supreme Court, Justice Lyons told Benjamin Milward that his "actions simply defy belief".

View photos Justice Lyons was visibly emotional as she read her statement. Image: 7 News More

She said, "You attacked a defenceless woman, you showed her no respect. You treated her appallingly and then left her... you abandoned a severely injured woman".

The judge continued, "Sophie died not far from this courthouse. I can see the spot from my room".

View photos A cross bearing the name and photo of murdered French student Sophie Collombet at the scene of the crime in Brisbane in 2014. Image: AAP More

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