A plasterer who stabbed a Melbourne couple to death while their children were sleeping nearby has been jailed for 35 years with a minimum of 28.

Mustafa Kunduraci, 46, in August pleaded guilty to two counts of murder over the 2013 deaths.

A relative of the couple yelled “die, scumbag” as Kunduraci was led from the court.

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Victorian Supreme Court Justice Jane Dixon said that had it not been for his guilty plea, she would have jailed Kunduraci for life.

Police found the bodies of Gregory Tucker, 54, and Korinne Aylward, 35, in their Moonee Ponds home on December 8, 2013.

Their three children were unharmed in another room.

Ms Aylward had just sent a text message wishing a relative goodnight when Kunduraci entered the home armed with a kitchen knife and an imitation pistol.

He stabbed Ms Aylward to death, and when Mr Tucker went into the room, drawn by the sounds of the violent confrontation, he was killed too.

Justice Dixon said Kunduraci had a serious grudge against the happy and vibrant couple.

“You gave no quarter to either of the deceased from the moment you entered their home,” Justice Dixon said.

Justice Dixon said Kunduraci was obsessed with a desire to avenge a perceived wrong.

The deliberate murder of two people in the haven of their own home is a crime of the utmost gravity, Justice Dixon said.

Speaking outside court, Korinne’s sister Maria Aylwood said they were glad it was over and they would tell the children the bad man is going away for a long time.

“They know him as the bad man. The bad man’s in jail and he’s going to stay there for a long time,” Ms Aylwood said.

“This is hopefully the end of it all.”