Brutal Vic murder case delayed

A family who travelled from Hong Kong for the sentencing of a man who brutally raped and murdered their sister is facing a delay in the decision.

The plea hearing for Scott Allen Miller, 43, who chased, raped and murdered Renea Lau, 32, on her way to work in Melbourne has been delayed after Miller's barrister suddenly fell ill in court on Monday and was taken to hospital.

Justice Betty King said in the Supreme Court on Tuesday it was unacceptable that the junior lawyer working on Miller's case was unable to take over and continue the hearing.

The plea hearing has been delayed until Wednesday and Justice King said she would try to sentence Miller as soon as possible afterwards because Ms Lau's siblings, who return to Hong Kong on Saturday, were entitled to be present.

"This is not their fault," she said.

Miller has pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and one of murder over the brutal attack on the pastry chef as she walked to work at a chocolate shop early on June 28 last year.

Ms Lau moved to Australia from Hong Kong in 2009.