Jaymes Todd appeared via video link before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday to admit killing and sexually assaulting Ms Dixon, whose body was discovered on a soccer pitch in Princes Park in the early hours of June 13 this year.

Todd pleaded guilty to single counts of murder, rape, attempted rape and sexual assault. One other charge was withdrawn.

Police believe Todd attacked Ms Dixon between 12.30am and 3am as the 22-year-old walked home through the park after she performed at a Melbourne venue earlier that night. Her body was discovered by a passer-by.

When asked to enter a plea, Todd leant towards the microphone in front of him and said: ‘‘Guilty, Your Honour.’’ He handed himself in to police in the hours after the murder.

Ms Dixon’s murder prompted outrage in Melbourne and in the days afterwards, thousands of people attended an evening vigil in Princes Park to pay their respects to the young woman. Candles were lit, and flowers and notes were left at a makeshift memorial.

Some people at the vigil also spoke of hoping for an end to violence against women.

Todd, of Broadmeadows, was remanded in custody to appear before the Supreme Court on November 13, when a date for his plea hearing will be set.

His initial court appearance in June was told he had been previously diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and was, his lawyer said, ‘‘socially regressive’’ and on prescribed medication.

- The Age