The man who stalked Melbourne woman Eurydice Dixon for kilometres before raping and murdering her has argued that he does not deserve life in prison because of his "good character" and genuine remorse.

Key points: The appeal is based on eight factors, including Todd's age and what lawyers say is his remorse

The appeal is based on eight factors, including Todd's age and what lawyers say is his remorse His lawyers said the judge imposed the most severe sentence when another sentence was available

His lawyers said the judge imposed the most severe sentence when another sentence was available The Court of Appeal will reveal its decision next Thursday

Ms Dixon was walking through Princes Park and was almost home when Todd attacked her late at night in June 2018.

He is serving a life sentence with a non-parole period of 35 years for her rape and murder.

At his sentencing, Justice Stephen Kaye of Victoria's Supreme Court called his crimes "craven and sadistic" and "categorically evil".

But just 28 days later, the killer launched an appeal, arguing his sentence was manifestly excessive.

Today Todd's lawyer, Daniel Gurvich QC, acknowledged the killer's crimes were "heinous and prolific".

Eurydice Dixon was stalked by Todd on her way home from a comedy gig. ( Facebook: Paula Ferrari )

"There's no application for the exercise of mercy and we accept that the enormity of the crimes … warranted a long sentence," Mr Gurvich said.

But he urged the full bench of Victoria's Court of Appeal to find that Todd's crimes did not warrant life imprisonment because of eight "strong mitigating factors", including:

The killer's relative youth when he raped and killed Ms Dixon

The killer's relative youth when he raped and killed Ms Dixon His plea of guilty, which Mr Gurvich noted came at "the earliest opportunity"

His plea of guilty, which Mr Gurvich noted came at "the earliest opportunity" The admissions he made during the police interview

The admissions he made during the police interview His degree of remorse

His degree of remorse His good character, reflected in the fact he had no criminal history

His good character, reflected in the fact he had no criminal history The background of "severe neglect" and suicidal behaviour

The background of "severe neglect" and suicidal behaviour His autism which played a role in his "excessive behaviour"

His autism which played a role in his "excessive behaviour" Protective custody issues

Todd listened to the hearing from prison via video link. ( AAP: James Ross )

Potential for reoffending 'sheer speculation'

Mr Gurvich said the sentencing judge had imposed the most severe sentence.

"A lesser sentence was available, is available," he said.

Todd was not personally present at the hearing, but appeared by video link in front of a whiteboard from prison.

He wore a white t-shirt and sported facial hair, at times leaning forward and resting his chin on his hand.

During the prosecution's submissions, Todd covered his mouth and yawned.

Thousands of people gathered at vigils across Australia in 2018, sparked by Ms Dixon's death. ( Triple J Hack: Jo Lauder )

The hearing discussed the likelihood that Todd, who watched violent pornography before and after he attacked Ms Dixon, would reoffend.

"It would be sheer speculation to say that he might offend in the same way," Mr Gurvich said.

"He was 19. He'll be 54 at the earliest time (of release)."

But Justice Phillip Priest pointed to Todd's "sexual sadism disorder".

"Over 35 years, it could not be said, in our submission … that it could not be treated successfully in an adult man who had been in custody for many decades," Mr Gurvich argued.

Victoria's chief crown prosecutor, Brendan Kissane QC, said Todd's sentence was adequate.

"In our submission, when one looks at all the factors, a sentence of life imprisonment was not manifestly excessive," Mr Kissane said.

"The gravity of the offending cannot be understated.

"Our submission is that the imprisonment is proportionate, and so is the 35 years."

The full bench of the Court of Appeal will hand down its decision next Thursday.