Mark John Listorti in Maroochydore court for indecent treatment of boy

A car detailing businessman who subjected a teenage boy to painful predatory sexual acts told him to say the pair had just “gone for a walk”.

A father and owner of a Sunshine Coast car detailing franchise may lose his business after he indecently treated a 14-year-old boy at a New Year’s Eve party and told him to keep quiet.

A father and owner of a Sunshine Coast car detailing franchise may lose his business after he indecently treated a 14-year-old boy at a New Year’s Eve party and told him to keep quiet.

Mark John Listorti was 52 when he preyed upon the teenager who had been drinking alcohol at the time, Maroochydore District Court heard.

Listorti pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16, that were committed on 31 December, 2021.

Crown prosecutor Joana Dias said Listorti performed several sexual acts on the minor including that was painful for the victim.

During the offending Listorti said to the teenager, “it’s okay, this doesn’t make us gay, just curious”.

Ms Dias said Listorti collapsed after the offending and Listori told him to say they had just gone for a walk.

Defence solicitor Ali Rana said his client made admissions at an early stage and was remorseful.

Mr Rana said Listorti was currently running his business through Jim’s Mowing and it would be unlikely that he would be able to reignite the franchising agreement if he went to jail.

Mr Rana said his client had sought treatment with a psychologist who believed the father’s risk of reoffending was low.

Judge Cash said the offending had a “profound” impact on the victim and the victim’s family.

The court heard Listorti had suffered sexual abuse himself as a young child and was generally a person of good character.

“He has suffered significantly as a result of being charged, he’s lost his partner and significant contact with his children,” Judge Cash the court.

Listorti was given two years’ prison to be suspended for two years after he serves six months in jail.

Originally published as Mark John Listorti in Maroochydore court for indecent treatment of boy