Jail Vic swim coach: police

Police prosecutors say anything less than a jail term for a high-level swimming coach who spanked a 12-year-old student as part of a punishment ritual is inappropriate.

Anthony Ronald O'Donnell, 47, was found guilty of two counts of indecently assaulting the girl in her home in 2013 after he visited her under the guise of checking on her welfare.

Prosecutor acting Sergeant Steve Wood said O'Donnell was in a position of trust and power at the time of the offending.

He was 43 and the victim was 12.

"She was embarrassed, she was scared ... she was totally dominated by the power imbalance," acting Sgt Wood told the Melbourne Magistrates court on Thursday.

O'Donnell admitted he had engaged in "tickle torture" with the girl, but denied spanking her.

He was found guilty on two counts after a contested hearing.

Because of his plea of not guilty he had shown no remorse, acting Sgt Wood said.

O'Donnell put the victim in the position of having to give evidence for two days, and then face cross examination for a further day and a bit, the prosecution said.

"This is an offence where the community demands protection of children.

"Anything less than a jail sentence is inappropriate."

Defence barrister Tony Trood said that O'Donnell's offending was at the lower end, and that he had lost his career as a result of the charges being laid.

O'Donnell had worked as a swimming coach since he was 20 and has been unable to find ongoing work, the court heard.

"He faces a very uncertain future," Mr Trood said.

The matter was stood down so O'Donnell could be assessed for a community corrections order.

The offence of indecently assaulting a child under 16 carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.