An 89-year-old Melbourne man who fired a double-barrelled shotgun at a sex worker who rejected him, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail.

Key points: Natale began paying for services with sex workers in 2012 and became upset when he was rejected

Natale began paying for services with sex workers in 2012 and became upset when he was rejected He shot at sex worker Rica using a double-barrelled shotgun, but missed twice

He shot at sex worker Rica using a double-barrelled shotgun, but missed twice He has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years' jail, and could be released in 18 months

Domenico Natale waited in front of Brunswick's Romantics Brothel in July 2017, armed with a shotgun, before approaching the sex worker known as Rica, and firing at her twice.

Justice Lesley Ann Taylor called Natale's actions "abhorrent" and said it terrified workers in Victoria's sex industry.

"You waited 28 minutes ... you got out, held the gun to your shoulder, took aim towards Rica and from the distance of seven metres, fired the weapon," Justice Taylor said.

"This conduct speaks appalling of your sense of entitlement to this woman."

Natale began paying for sexual services in 2012 after his wife was diagnosed with cancer, and began to book Rica regularly after his wife died.

In 2017, Rica decided she wanted to end the arrangement, and began to refuse Natale's bookings.

Justice Taylor said Natale then sent a series of abusive text messages which included the lines "remember you've destroyed my f***ing life", "you are a very fake person", and "I can forget you, but I can't forgive you".

On July 21, 2017, Natale drove to the Romantics Brothel and shot at Rica as she arrived at work, but missed both times.

He then telephoned another sex worker and threatened to shoot her if she went to the police, before shooting himself in the stomach on the side of Melbourne's Calder Freeway.

Natale 'cowardly' and 'dangerous', magistrate says

Natale was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital, and now has a stoma in his stomach, to empty his bowel.

He previously pleaded guilty to four charges, including reckless conduct endangering life, stalking, having an unregistered gun and threatening to kill.

Justice Taylor praised Natale for pleading guilty as it saved Rica from the trauma of giving evidence in court.

But she said Natale's "cowardly" and "dangerous" actions, not only petrified Rica but others.

"Your violent, aggressive, and life-threatening behaviour, must have sent a ripple of fear throughout the ranks of sex workers," Justice Taylor said.

"Each and every such worker has the right, at any time, to refuse the custom of a would-be client, even one who had hitherto been a regular client, or even a friend."

Natale was sentenced to a non-parole period of 18 months.