Melbourne man jailed for life for killing daughters

A Melbourne man jailed for life for killing his two daughters moments after dressing them in new frocks and filming them dancing was motivated by hatred of his ex-wife, a judge says.

Charles Amon Mihayo, 36, must serve at least 31 years in prison for smothering four-year-old Savannah and three-year-old Indianna with a pillow during a game of hide-and-seek on Easter Sunday.

Mihayo later told police he had to do it but they did not need to know the reasons why.

But Victorian Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry said his crimes were inextricably linked to his ongoing conflict with his ex.

"You decided she would pay the price and inevitably so would your children with their lives," he said.