Man, 81, jailed for crimes against his granddaughters

An 81-year-old Queensland grandfather has been jailed for the rape and indecent dealings with his granddaughters described by prosecutors as "nothing short of disgusting".

The man, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty in Bundaberg District Court to one count of rape and 10 counts of indecently dealing with his grandchildren, who were aged seven and two at the time.

The crimes were committed in 2003 and 2004, when the man was staying with his daughter and her children, the Bundaberg News-Mail reports.

"It's incomprehensible to members of the community and to me why a grandfather would use his very young granddaughters for his own sexual gratification, and that's what you did," Judge John Robertson said.

"These are horrific circumstances that I think would shock many people."

Defence barrister Peter Richards told the court that his client's employment history was good and he had no alcohol or drug history.

Judge Robertson sentenced the man to six and a half years in jail, with a non-parole period of three years and three months.