A Manitoba man from an Old Order Mennonite community has been sentenced to six months in jail for repeatedly abusing children.

The man pled guilty to six counts of assault with a weapon and one count of common assault.

It’s connected to the apprehension of dozens of children from the community two years ago.

The man was sentenced on Tuesday in Minnedosa, Man. and admitted to "physically disciplining" seven children, using a "leather strap" on six of them including his own daughter.

University of Winnipeg Mennonite Studies professor Royden Loewen said news of the abuse left the tight-knit, horse and buggy community shocked.

"I think everybody agrees this community sort of went off the rails," said Loewen. "This was an unusual and very bizarre situation, so this is not typical Old Order Mennonite behaviour."

In June 2013, around 40 children from infants to teenagers were apprehended by Child and Family Services following accusations boys and girls were beaten with cattle prods, leather straps and whips.

In his decision, Judge John Combs said the man sentenced "participated in systematic physical and psychological abuse of numerous children over an extended period of time."

Combs said the abuse happened "to extort confessions and punishment for imagined sins.”“These were planned and deliberate acts done by a group of men in concert," he said.

In his remarks, Combs said “controlling members” of the community were behind “the severe discipline of young children.”

He said it was because of “some misguided and ludicrous belief that these children were involved in sexual activity with family members or had impure thoughts."

Loewen, who has visited the community, said residents have taken the incident seriously and have since rebuilt a sense of trust for their neighbours.

"My sense is there's lots of healing that's occurred within the community; the children are back and old relationships are being restored," said Loewen.

Thirteen people were arrested in July 2013, but several of the charges were dropped.

Court heard three other members of the community have admitted involvement, but have yet to be sentenced and remain before the courts.

The crown was asking for between 12 and 18 months jail time.

The judge decided on six months because the man showed genuine remorse and has taken steps to educate himself about the difference between appropriate parenting and abuse.