The grieving family members of Jill Meagher saw rapist-killer Adrian Ernest Bayley at the Victorian Supreme Court for his plea hearing Tuesday. The sentence will be meted on June 19, as Bayley's lawyer remained hopeful for a minimum term.

Bayley, 41, of Coburg, has pleaded guilty to raping and murdering Jill Meagher in Brunswick on September 22, 2012. Meagher's husband Tom and father George McKeon were in attendance. Jill's mother only issued a statement to the court due to an illness.

Her daughter was funny, intelligent and had huge empathy, according to Jill's mum. She said she is battling nightmares as to what her daughter must have gone through when the crimes were carried out. Jill made him promise to live a long life after a stroke, says his father. The family members were heard to evaluate the impact of the crime on their lives.

Bayley's lawyer told the court his client could receive a life sentence but should get a minimum term for three reasons: 1) Bayley entered because of his guilty plea, 2) Bayley is showing genuine remorse, and 3) Bayley led the police to Ms Meagher's remains.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Gavin Silbert SC told the court Bayley was on parole for other rape charges and was also on bail pending an appeal for another matter at the time of fatal assault against Meagher.

The court hearing was carried out before Justice Geoffrey Nettle.

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