Falconio case returns to NT Supreme Court

DARWIN - British backpacker Peter Falconio's killer will return to a Darwin court today for submissions on his sentence.

Bradley John Murdoch, a 47-year-old Broome mechanic, on Tuesday was found guilty of murdering Mr Falconio and assaulting the backpacker's girlfriend Joanne Lees and depriving her of her liberty.

Today, Mr Falconio's mother Joan -- who sat through the eight-week Northern Territory Supreme Court trial -- will have the chance to say how her son's murder has affected her, when her victim impact statement is read to the court.

Mrs Falconio walked out of court several times during the trial and sobbed with relief as the jury found Murdoch guilty of her son's murder beside the Stuart Highway in July 2001.

Following Tuesday's verdict, Murdoch immediately received a mandatory life sentence. Today, lawyers will present submissions to the court on a possible non-parole period.

The court also was expected to hear a victim impact statement from Ms Lees.

Lawyers for Murdoch -- who has maintained his innocence -- have announced they will appeal the guilty verdict.

- AAP