Melbourne man sentenced to life for smothering daughters to death

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

Charles Mihayo, 36, will serve at least 31 years in prison for murdering daughters Savannah, 4, and Indianna, 3, with a pillow during a game of hide-and-seek at their grandmother's house in Watsonia on Easter Sunday earlier this year.

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

Victorian Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry said Mihayo's crime was one of the most hideous he had been involved with in his 40 years in criminal law.

"I believe I largely understand why serious crimes occur, no matter how vicious," Justice Lasry said.

"But I admit I am at a loss to understand these terrible crimes."

Justice Lasry said his crimes were tied to an ongoing conflict with his ex.

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

"You decided to demonstrate to your ex-wife that she did not have the control over the children and their relationship with you that she thought she had.

"Your breach of parental trust is almost beyond belief.

"You gave in to the basest of instincts - revenge."

The family of the murdered girls issued a statement thanking the community and Victorian Police for their support.

"There is no adequate punishment or jail sentence for filicide," a statement said.

"(Savannah and Indianna will be) forever missed, loved and never forgotten."