WARNING: This story references child sexual assault.
Registered sex offender Daniel Senecal now faces a sixth charge on top of the five previously laid after a three-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in her home in Welland, Ont.
During a brief video appearance at St. Catharines court Wednesday morning, the 25-year-old was charged with breaching probation while wearing green jail clothing from the Toronto South Detention Centre.
When asked if he understood the new charge, Senecal responded “yes.”
The accused also faces charges of aggravated sexual assault and sexual interference involving a person under 16, break and enter, choking, and assault.
Senecal was arrested on Aug. 31 while serving a year of probation for an unrelated incident that required him “to keep the peace and be of good behaviour,” as stated in court on Wednesday.
WATCH | Outrage after Ontario sex offender accused of attacking toddler:
Outrage after Ontario sex offender accused of attacking toddler
WARNING: Video contains distressing details | Community members in Welland, Ont., are outraged following allegations that a convicted sex offender sexually assaulted a three-year-old girl. Concerns about potential vigilante justice have emerged in response to these events.
According to Niagara police, Senecal broke into the young girl’s family home during the Labour Day weekend and assaulted her. Her injuries were not discovered until the next morning when she was taken to hospital for treatment.
Last year, Senecal was convicted for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in 2021 and received an 18-month prison sentence but was released six months early in March, according to information from the boy’s family. He was also placed on the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years.
CBC Hamilton requested details regarding Senecal’s early release from the Ontario Parole Board but learned from tribunal spokesperson Veronica Spada that all board hearings and decisions “are strictly confidential.”
Tribunals Ontario later clarified that no decision regarding Senecal’s release came from the parole board; instead, he was released by corrections officials after serving two-thirds of his sentence as permitted by federal rules, according to a spokesperson.
Police caution against vigilante behavior
The incidents have sparked widespread anger across Niagara Region and beyond. At rallies, vigils, and online platforms, both residents and politicians are demanding stricter penalties for sex offenders along with reforms in criminal justice systems.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated: “This scumbag deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life.”
As public outrage continues to grow, police are warning against any form of “vigilante actions.”
“Taking justice into one’s own hands places community safety at risk and undermines the judicial process,” explained Niagara police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin. “We strongly encourage everyone to let the courts do their job.”
Senecal, 25 years old, was taken into custody on Aug. 31 during Labour Day weekend. (Submitted by Koreen Perry)
At a rally last week outside St. Catharines courthouse, several motorcyclists wore vests displaying logos from Red Devils and Branded Souls motorcycle clubs. Another individual had on a black hoodie featuring symbols associated with Diagolon-an organization described by RCMP as resembling an extremist militia.
Following this event, some bikers gathered outside Thorold jail led by an individual known online as Rob Primo-identified by CBC’s visual investigations unit as part of Diagolon’s offshoot called Second Sons. p >
Primo has shared posts on social media naming what he claims is the girl’s mother along with videos showcasing what appears to be her Facebook page. p >
CBC Hamilton reached out for comment from both courthouse officials and police regarding whether these posts violate publication bans meant to protect the girl’s identity; similar protection applies to that of the 12-year-old boy involved.
Niagara police have stated they don’t comment about publication bans; neither did courthouse or ministry representatives provide feedback before publication time.
Corrections officials recently turned down Senecal’s request for transfer to a women’s prison facility. A Facebook page believed linked to him uses “Dani Senecal” alongside pronouns “she/her.”
During his latest court appearance however , Senecal identified himself as “Daniel Senecal” while staff used he/him pronouns.
If you feel unsafe or believe someone around you might be at risk , please call 911. For help nearby , you can look up crisis lines through Ending Sexual Violence Association Canada database. p >
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