Child sex predator Bronte John Ciracovitch sentenced to 14 years in jail

This vile childcare worker has been jailed for his crimes against kids – with a judge praising one young victim who had the courage to expose him.

Bronte John Ciracovitch is, as the mother of one of his victims said, more than a monstrous sex predator – he is a parent’s worst nightmare.

He abused his position as a childcare worker to prey upon victims too young to speak, sent 180 families into a panic and accepted blame only three years after his crimes.

On Wednesday, the District Court responded to Ciracovitch’s belated change of heart – and his plea for mercy – with a 14-year prison term.

Judge Tim Heffernan said Ciracovitch was a serious repeat offender and must serve more than 11 years behind bars before seeking parole.

The sentence overwhelmed and delighted the parents of Ciracovitch’s victims, who gathered in court to witness the end of their long ordeal.

In sentencing, Judge Heffernan said he had no doubt those trusting, betrayed parents still had one question.

Bronte John Ciracovitch.

“How were you able to look them in the eyes knowing what you had done?” he asked Ciracovitch.

“You have offered no apology to your victims, their families, your former colleagues, or the community at large.

“Notwithstanding your pleas of guilty, I sentence you on the basis you have only limited remorse and insight into your conduct.

“At this point in your life, I regard you as a danger to the community.”

Ciracovitch, 31, pleaded guilty to multiple child abuse and child exploitation charges committed while he was employed by Child Care Services Australia.

Some of the offending took place at one of its northern suburbs centres, prompting authorities to send letters to 180 families.

Other offences, including abusing a four-year-old boy while being filmed on a mobile phone, occurred in his home.

The parents of Ciracovitch’s victims branded him a “monster” and “a parent’s worst nightmare”.

On Wednesday, Judge Heffernan paid tribute to one of Ciracovitch’s victims, a seven-year-old boy whom he abused on three separate occasions.

He said that boy had raised the alarm with his mother, allowing police to uncover the rest of Ciracovitch’s crimes and victims.

“That boy’s mother correctly describes him as a hero in this story, he had the courage to expose you,” he said.

He said Ciracovitch’s “revolting, abhorrent” offending had traumatised the children and their families, leaving consequences that may not be fully understood for years.

“Your behaviour was coercive and controlling of very young children, and you persisted when it must have been apparent to you that they found your conduct distressing,” he said.

“Your offending only stopped because (that boy) had the courage to tell his mother what you were doing.”

Judge Heffernan praised the police who investigated and caught Ciracovitch, as well as the state’s “many dedicated and caring” childcare workers.

“They perform a valuable role for the community for a very modest wage,” he said.

“Your offending is an insult to those who approach this work selflessly and with care, attention and due regard to the protective aspect of their work.”

He backdated Ciracovitch’s sentence to his arrest in September 2020.