Appeal court says Meagher murder is 'among the worst'

An Australian court of appeal has said the rapist who killed Jill Meagher deserved the "sternest" sentence possible.

The three-member panel of judges said Adrian Bayley's crimes were "particularly callous".

Last month Bayley failed in an appeal to have his 35-year sentence reduced on the grounds that it was unduly harsh.

The judges today released their reasons for upholding the sentence, saying the murder of Ms Meagher was "among the worst kinds conceivable".