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Man sentenced to life for French student's brutal murder

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".

Benjamin James Milward has been sentenced to life. Image: 7 News
Benjamin James Milward has been sentenced to life. Image: 7 News
Sophie was raped and murdered in 2014. Image: AAP
Sophie was raped and murdered in 2014. Image: AAP

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

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

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".

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
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
Lionel Collombet, the brother of murdered French student Sophie Collombet after the sentencing. Image: AAP
Lionel Collombet, the brother of murdered French student Sophie Collombet after the sentencing. Image: AAP

On Wednesday, Ms Collombet’s brother fought back tears as he read a victim impact statement in French to the court.

Milward was also in tears as the victim impact statement was read out.

Ms Collombet's parents, Corinne and Guy Collombet, outside the Supreme Court in Brisbane after the sentencing. Image: AAP
Ms Collombet's parents, Corinne and Guy Collombet, outside the Supreme Court in Brisbane after the sentencing. Image: AAP
Around a dozen of the victim's family and supporters were in court for the sentencing.
Around a dozen of the victim's family and supporters were in court for the sentencing.
Milward's mother was also in court. Image: AAP
Milward's mother was also in court. Image: AAP

A harrowing statement written by Ms Collombet’s partner, who left Brisbane six weeks before she was attacked because his visa ran out, was read to the court.

It said his nights were haunted by nightmares, “(I am) trying to rebuild my life on a field of ruins".

Parents of murdered French student Sophie Collombet comforted by a supporter outside the Supreme Court. Image: AAP
Parents of murdered French student Sophie Collombet comforted by a supporter outside the Supreme Court. Image: AAP

The 28-year-old raped and murdered the French student on 27 March 2014.

Ms Collombet, then 21, had been walking home from university when she was attacked at Kurilpa Park, on the banks of the Brisbane River.

Her naked and battered body was found in a rotunda at the park the following morning.

Milward was high on a cocktail of alcohol and the drug ice when he attacked Ms Collombet.

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