A Lake Macquarie man has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for a horrific campaign of child sexual abuse against his own daughter and other children, with his victims now bravely stepping forward to reclaim their lives.
A Childhood Stolen by Abuse
Nicole Mondon was just seven years old when the abuse by her biological father, Colin George O'Toole, began one Easter in her Lake Macquarie bedroom. For years, O'Toole preyed on her relentlessly. When the young girl sought help, he branded her a liar, isolating her and protecting himself.
By the age of 13, Ms Mondon felt she had no choice but to flee her home. This led to a period of homelessness, drug use, and violent relationships as she carried a crushing burden of shame for decades. "I was safer out on the street than I was in my own home," she told the Newcastle Herald.
A Seismic Shift in Court
The trajectory of Ms Mondon's life began to change around 2019 when she connected with dedicated detectives from the Lake Macquarie area who believed her story and pursued the case. This investigation uncovered other victims: a family friend, Jessica Rosagrata, and another child known as Grant. It also led police to a former babysitter, Tracie Grant, whom O'Toole had also abused.
In a powerful act of unity, all four victims chose to waive their legal right to anonymity. They stood together outside the Newcastle District Court, supporting one another through the harrowing legal process.
When Ms Mondon finally testified against her father, she experienced a profound shift. "Whatever you say about me, whoever I was, whatever I did, that's evidence. You did that to me," she said, describing a newfound sense of pride in her survival.
Justice Served After Decades
Colin George O'Toole, now 62 and a former local businessman, faced two separate trials. In the first, he was found guilty of sexual intercourse with the teenage Tracie Grant and received a two-year good behaviour bond in October 2024.
The second trial concluded in May 2025, where a jury found him guilty of 14 sexual abuse offences against Ms Mondon, Ms Rosagrata, and Grant. The crimes occurred between 1994 and 2005, when the victims were aged between seven and 14.
In a significant ruling, the profound physical and psychological damage inflicted was treated as an aggravating factor in his sentencing. In September 2025, Judge Gina O'Rourke sentenced O'Toole to 15 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 10 years. He will be eligible for release in July 2035.
Healing and a Message to Others
Today, Nicole Mondon is a homeowner in Cooranbong, in a loving marriage and raising her own children. She is in consistent therapy, but acknowledges the healing journey is lifelong. "It crushed me. It destroyed me as a human. It destroyed my experience of life," she said of the abuse's impact.
She and Tracie Grant, now bonded like sisters, hope that by sharing their story they can empower other survivors to come forward. "Even if we can help one person go make a report, or not feel like ending their life, or feel like they're not alone ... just one small thing feels worth it," Ms Mondon said.
The case highlights the work of the NSW Police Force's dedicated Child Abuse Squad, which investigates sexual abuse offences across the state.
Support is available: Lifeline 13 11 14; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800. To report crime, contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
