Niagara Officials Demand Changes After Toddler’s Assault

WARNING: This story references child sexual assault.

Councils in the Niagara Region and the City of St. Catharines are calling for changes to the justice system after a three-year-old girl was assaulted in Welland, Ont., and a registered sex offender was released early from prison.

On Monday, St. Catharines councillors passed a motion asking the federal government to make both the national and Ontario sex offender registries accessible to the public, enhance support for victims of sexual and violent crimes, and introduce bail reform measures.

Coun. Kevin Townsend introduced the initial motion, emphasizing “public concern” about “bail practices that allow repeat violent and sexual offenders back into communities under conditions that fail to protect the public.” The motion insists such offenders should not be released “unless it can be clearly shown that they do not pose a risk to public safety.”

The council’s amendments included requests for Ottawa to provide more resources and financial aid for victims while addressing “significant gaps in practical implementation of support for victims, inconsistent services across provinces and territories, and needs of marginalized groups within the justice system.”

Also this week at a Regional Municipality of Niagara meeting, Welland Coun. Pat Chiocchio proposed a motion urging Queen’s Park and Ottawa to implement “more restrictive” bail, sentencing, and release conditions for repeat violent and sexual offenders so they “are not prematurely released into communities where they remain a threat.”

The motion calls on the Ontario government to “set stricter monitoring measures,” which would include mandatory long-term supervision as well as GPS tracking for sexual offenders.

Daniel Senecal, accused in the Welland incident, had previously been listed on the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years due to his conviction for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy.

Earlier this month, Senecal, 25, faced charges of breaching probation along with earlier accusations including aggravated sexual assault against someone under 16 years old, break-and-entering, choking, and assault. He is alleged to have entered the home of the three-year-old girl during Labour Day weekend and assaulted her.

When arrested on Aug. 31, Senecal was serving one year of probation following his sentence of 18 months in jail for sexually assaulting the boy in 2021 but had been released six months early in March according to information from that boy’s family.

Daniel Senecal was arrested on Aug. 31 and charged with sexual assault of a person under age 16. (Submitted by Koreen Perry)

A case that’s caused public outcry

This case has sparked anger among community members as well as politicians at various levels including federal and provincial representatives.

Earlier this month Welland Mayor Frank Campion reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney insisting on sentencing reforms along with modifications regarding parole eligibility for “heinous offences,” plus “more stringent use and enforcement” concerning the National Sex Offender Registry.</P

Mayor Mat Siscoe from St. Catharines subsequently wrote Premier Doug Ford echoing similar requests.</P

Officials from both Ontario’s provincial level as well as federal representatives-including Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch; Brantford-area Conservative MP Larry Brock; Premier Doug Ford; alongside federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre-have also voiced their opinions pushing for harsher penalties overall.</PIt’s estimated that around 200 people gathered outside St. Catharines courthouse during protests related to Senecal’s scheduled bail hearing where many demonstrators held signs opposing bail or advocating broader reforms intended at keeping violent offenders incarcerated longer.

After Senecal’s arrest took place there were warnings issued by Niagara Regional Police Service against any form vigilante action while legal proceedings continue moving forward.

The next court date is set for Oct. 8.

Bail reform won’t solve everything says activist

Despite widespread calls pushing towards tougher bail regulations other activists advocate taking caution instead.

“This isn’t just about catch-and-release issues,” Saleh Waziruddin who serves on executive committee member role within Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association commented during Monday’s St. Catharines council session.

Waziruddin feels stricter bail rules could lead more individuals being detained prior conviction impacting disproportionately racialized people already overrepresented within criminal justice systems noted specifically citing data indicating only five percent representing Black adults amongst general population yet comprising fourteen percent held custody throughout Ontario according Federal Government sources provided.

This activist believes focusing primarily upon detecting early treatment options may prove more effective approach rather than emphasizing incarceration methods aimed preventing recidivism amongst perpetrators committing sexual offenses additionally raising concerns regarding potential vigilante violence if access granted making details regarding National Sex Offender Registry available publicly too readily

If you’re feeling unsafe or have immediate concerns about your safety or others nearby please call 911. For localized assistance reach out looking crisis lines alongside area services via Ending Sexual Violence Association Canada database.

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