Charles William Gary Ottaviano received a 12-year prison term today. This North Queensland man faced the Townsville District Court. He was sentenced for the rape, sexual assault, and underage girl recruitment.
Ottaviano had previously pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges. These included five counts of rape and six counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16. He also faced charges of repeated sexual conduct with a child and sexual assault. These offenses spanned a seven-year period.
Judge Nathan Jarro presided over the sentencing on Friday afternoon. He stated Ottaviano’s actions were driven by his “selfish and sinister desires.” The court heard of his “predatory” behaviour. This conduct involved manipulation and corruption of young girls.
Four out of the five complainants were under the age of 16. The youngest victim was just 13 years old when the crimes began. Ottaviano exploited their vulnerability, the judge explained. He ignored their clear pain and distress, along with their pleas to stop.
The 39-year-old supplied victims with cash, alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. He used these as bribes to force them into sexual acts. He even coerced one child to help him with underage girl recruitment for himself and other adult men.
Judge Jarro detailed the manipulative tactics used. Ottaviano threatened one girl with violence if she spoke out. He reportedly laughed at another who struggled to breathe during an assault. One 13-year-old victim “never wanted to have sex,” the judge noted. She was young and terrified, he added.
The court also considered Ottaviano’s troubled background. His past was described as “deprived.” Drugs, sex, and violence had “sadly become the norm” in his upbringing. He had undergone sexual offenders’ treatment in late 2024.
Ottaviano has already served two years in pre-sentence custody. This time will count towards his 12-year term. However, no parole eligibility date has yet been determined for him.
