North Queensland Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Exploiting Underage Girls

A North Queensland man, Charles William Gary Ottaviano, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of horrific sexual crimes against minors. His actions, described as predatory and manipulative, included the rape and recruitment of underage girls for sex.

During a sentencing hearing at the Townsville District Court, Judge Nathan Jarro detailed the extensive nature of Ottaviano's crimes, which spanned over seven years. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including five counts of rape and six counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16.

Judge Jarro emphasized the calculated manner in which Ottaviano operated, exploiting vulnerable young girls by providing them with cash, drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes in exchange for sexual acts. The court revealed that four of his five victims were under the age of 16, with the youngest being just 13 at the time of the offenses.

In his remarks, Judge Jarro condemned Ottaviano's behavior as motivated by his own selfish desires, highlighting the manipulation and threats he used to control his victims, including intimidation tactics that left them fearful for their safety.

Ottaviano has already served two years in pre-sentence custody, and the judge took into account his troubled past during the sentencing, including his history of substance abuse and violence.

Source: www.abc.net.au