Melbourne man Charles Mihayo, 36, smothered his daughters, Savannah, 4, and Indianna, 3, on April 20 this year following an acrimonious divorce from the girls’ mother.

He stared at the floor this morning and did not stand as he was ordered to serve at least 31 years before being eligible for parole.

Justice Lex Lasry said the murders were among the most baffling he had seen in his 41-year career in the criminal law.

Indianna and Savannah Mihayo

“I’ve been actively involved in the criminal law since 1973. I’m at a loss to understand this terrible crime,” Justice Lasry said.

His former wife’s family said the girls would never be forgotten and there was no adequate penalty for filicide.

Charles Mihayo arrives at court. Picture: Eugene Hyland Source: News Corp Australia

Mihayo has refused to tell authorities why he killed his daughters, instead claiming he wants to be punished and has isolated himself inside the prison system.

But despite the refusal Justice Lasry said it was clear the murders were intended to punish his ex-wife.

“You were determined she would pay the price ... You decided to demonstrate to your ex-wife she did not have control over the children,” Justice Lasry said.

Although Mihayo claims to have taken full responsibility for the murders, Justice Lasry said he had not shown remorse.

“You do not seem to be remorseful in the way I understand it,” Justice Lasry said.

“I’m not sure you actually regret what you’ve done. You do not appear to be crushed or broken in spirit.”

Savannah and Indianna Mihayo Source: Supplied

On the day of the murders, Mihayo saw the film Captain America before buying his daughters new clothes and dress shoes.

When police arrived at his Watsonia unit and found the girls lying dead in the new dresses Mihayo said: “It’s done. I’ve killed them. I’ve killed my kids. You’ll have to ask (my former wife why).”

Before smothering his daughters, Mihayo filmed them dancing to “Let it Go” from the Disney movie Frozen, and told the girls to show their new dresses to the their mother, who was waiting at a nearby house just moments before the murders.

“We’ll show mum something else in ten minutes,” Mihayo said

He then played hide and seek before smothering the girls with a pillow.

Mihayo met the girls’ mother while the pair worked in China.

Mihayo had no supporters in court.

His former wife’s family did not attend the sentence, but released a statement saying the girls would never be forgotten.

“There is no adequate punishment or jail sentence for filicide,” the family said.

“Forever missed, loved and never forgotten.

“We would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank our family and friends for their ongoing support and the community for their thoughts and prayers during this devastating time.”

padraic.murphy@news.com.au