A MAGISTRATE has labelled a man's actions as "vile" and "disgusting" after he assaulted his grandchildren.
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The western Victorian man appeared in court on Wednesday for sentencing. He had previously pleaded guilty to assault charges.
He was sentenced 51 days in jail, which has already been served.
The man will be placed on a community corrections order, which requires him to seek treatment for mental health issues.
The court heard the man verbally abused his grandchildren.
Another family member recorded audio of the assault and was played to the court.
In the recording, the man had prepared tea for the children and became enraged at the speed in which they were eating.
He threatened one child, saying "you spit that out and I'll punch your f***ing head in", and "I'll stomp on your heads you c***s".
The court heard the man was suffering from mental health issues as a result of a childhood trauma, of which he had recently developed new memories.
Defence lawyer Nick Graham said the recording depicted a man who was "ranting and raving" and "not seeing things clearly".
He said the man had no criminal history and that his friends "couldn't believe that he would act like this".
"He was always totally devoted to his grandchildren and it is unlikely now that he will have a relationship with them again," he said.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michelle Wentworth said the offending affected vulnerable and defenceless victims.
She said family violence could have serious, long-term effects on children.
The man told the court that he felt shame and remorse.
"That recording is disgusting on every level. I lost control of myself verbally and I'm horrified I affected the most important little people in my world," he said.
Victim impact statements from other family members were submitted to the court.
Magistrate Julie Grainger said it was clear from those statements that the assault was not an isolated incident. She said the offending was extremely serious.
"The offending related to young children who should have been safe, protected and loved," she said.
"You said yourself the way you spoke to the children was vile and disgusting and I agree."
Ms Grainger said the children had suffered psychological damage as a result.
"However, children are resilient and hopefully they receive the treatment they need," she said.
Ms Grainger said she was satisfied the man's 51 days spent in custody was adequate time served.
"The man doesn't have the typical background of someone who goes to jail for family violence matters," she said.
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