A police officer charged with assault after he struck his two young daughters for accidentally burning macaroni and cheese pleaded guilty Wednesday to downgraded charges.

Louisville Metro Police Officer Christopher Dudley, 35, was ordered to no longer use corporal punishment, to continue with parental counseling and to apologize to the children in writing, according to online court records.

Dudley, who was investigated by the department's Public Integrity Unit, was accused of hitting his 6- and 9-year-old children multiple times with a belt, causing bruising, in February 2017.

Background:Louisville cop beat his daughters with a belt after they burned mac 'n cheese, police say

The 9-year-old, who is autistic, was struck 10 times and the 6-year-old seven times, according to a criminal complaint.

The officer was "angry because victims had overcooked macaroni and cheese in the microwave," filling the house with smoke, the complaint details.

He admitted to the children's mother he beat both children, the complaint shows.

In court Wednesday before District Court Judge Erica Lee Williams, Dudley pleaded guilty to two second-degree disorderly conduct charges, downgraded from fourth-degree assault.

Two third-degree criminal abuse charges were dismissed.

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"He's a very loving parent and was doing nothing other than trying to administer appropriate punishment," said Dudley's attorney Steve Schroering. "He will not use corporal punishment after this event."

Schroering said if his client abides by the court's orders, in a year, the case will be dismissed.

When Dudley was charged in Jefferson District Court in February, a department spokesman said he had been reassigned with his police powers suspended.

Police department spokesman Dwight Mitchell said Thursday that Dudley is still reassigned and is the subject of an ongoing Professional Standards Unit investigation to determine if he broke any departmental policies.

Dudley has been with the department since 2011.

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Reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at 502-582-4989 or mglowicki@courier-journal.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/mattg.