How were his victims able to look past his horrifying facial disfigurement?

Excluding his victims from the 1980's when he looked normal. This is why I have such sympathy for James.

But by the mid 1990's and 2000's he was hideously disfigured. How was Gavin not scared of him? Aaron Carter too.

Aldo was the only one to admit he was frightening to look at.

This is question going around me head for years but I never wanted to actually post it because I'm afraid people won't understand and think I'm just being "rude". To be blunt. I just can't figure it out.