Over 200 demonstrators gathered outside the St. Catharines courthouse on Wednesday, united in their call for widespread reform and swift action following the arrest of a 25-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a young child.
Daniel Senecal faces serious charges including break and enter, aggravated sexual assault, sexual interference, and assault by choking. The disturbing incident occurred over the Labour Day weekend when Senecal allegedly forced his way into a Welland residence, brutally attacking the child and inflicting severe injuries before fleeing the scene.
The young victim is currently receiving treatment at the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, but the impact of the crime has reverberated deeply throughout the tight-knit Niagara community.
Expressing shock and outrage, a protester emphasized the urgent need for justice, labeling the incident as incomprehensible and emphasizing the importance of taking a stand against such atrocities.
Local officials, including Mayor Frank Campion and Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy, have strongly condemned the assault, with Campion describing it as a heinous act beyond comprehension. Fordy highlighted the need for reform in the bail system, pointing out that Senecal was on probation at the time of the offense.
In response to the tragedy, friends of the victim’s family have launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, raising over $25,000 to support the child’s mother in relocating and rebuilding their lives after the traumatic event.
Senecal is currently in custody and is set to appear in court on October 15 for his next hearing.