Child Assault Case Draws Attention in Welland

WARNING: This story references child sexual assault.

Ontario corrections officials have turned down a request to move registered child sex offender Daniel Senecal to a women’s prison while the 25-year-old awaits a bail hearing related to another case, which involves an attack on a girl in Welland.

Senecal was released earlier this year after completing time for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old in the Niagara Region city. The new charges involve a three-year-old during the Labour Day weekend. Niagara police reported that the girl was assaulted after someone broke into her family home.

“The request to transfer facilities was denied,” Oleksandr Shvets, spokesperson for Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, stated in an email to on Friday.

According to police, the child – referred to by supporters of her family as “Little E” – sustained serious injuries and needed immediate care at an out-of-region hospital.

Senecal faces five charges, including break and enter, aggravated sexual assault and sexual interference.

The identities of both the 12-year-old and the three-year-old girl are protected under a publication ban.

On Wednesday, Senecal made a brief appearance via audio link from the Niagara Detention Centre during his bail hearing in St. Catharines court and identified himself as “Daniel” when speaking.

A Facebook page believed to belong to him uses the name “Dani Sénécal” and identifies with pronouns “she/her.”

Senecal remains in custody and is scheduled for another virtual court appearance on Oct. 15.

Calls for justice system changes

The new charges against Senecal have sparked protests and demands for tougher sentences for violent offenders since his criminal background became public knowledge.

Earlier this week, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre reiterated his call to “ban biological men from women’s prisons,” criticizing any attempt to transfer Senecal to a women’s facility through social media posts.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford commented: “This scumbag deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life.”

Daniel Senecal was arrested on Aug. 31 and charged after a three-year-old Welland, Ont., girl was sexually assaulted during what Niagara police say was a home invasion. (Submitted by Koreen Perry)

Senecal was released from jail in March after serving time for sexually assaulting the 12-year-old back in 2021.

Court documents reviewed by CBC Hamilton indicate that Senecal has been placed on the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years.

Police warn against ‘vigilante actions’

The Niagara Regional Police Service has issued warnings against “vigilante actions” as Senecal’s case unfolds.

This caution follows rallies held this week by bikers and members of far-right extremist groups demanding justice for the three-year-old girl involved.

“While we respect people’s right to gather peacefully, we do not condone threats of violence or vigilante actions of any kind,” stated Niagara police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin via email on Friday.

“Taking justice into one’s own hands puts community safety at risk and undermines our judicial system.”

After charges were laid against him, Niagara police Chief Bill Fordy released a statement urging everyone to rely on credible sources regarding this matter.

Misinformation about the situation has circulated online, including false claims suggesting that Senecal had been released on bail last week.

More than 200 demonstrators rallied outside the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Wednesday ahead of a bail hearing for Senecal. (Thomas Daigle/CBC)

Over 200 demonstrators gathered outside the St. Catharines courthouse prior to Senecal’s scheduled appearance.

“The community is outraged over this,” Welland Mayor Frank Campion shared with CBC during the rally.”We’re also showing sympathy for the family and young child affected by what happened.”

Campion added,”There’s really so much misinformation out there that needs to be corrected because it can harm not just court cases but also hurt the family themselves.”

Many protesters held signs expressing their opposition toward bail options for those accused or calling for broader reforms aimed at keeping violent offenders incarcerated longer.

Among those participating were motorcyclists wearing vests from groups like Red Devils and Branded Souls motorcycle clubs; one man sported apparel showcasing Diagolon’s emblem-an organization described as an “extremist militia-like group” by RCMP.A masked protester holds up a sign outside a St. Catharines courthouse ahead of the bail hearing.(Thomas Daigle/CBC)

Afterwards, some bikers protested outside Thorold jail led by someone known online as Rob Primo-identified through visual investigations unit work done by CBC-as partaking with Second Sons affiliated with Diagolon.

Sabourin indicated that Niagara Police shares public concerns regarding these issues while actively advocating alongside other partners about necessary adjustments within our legal systems pertaining towards bail regulations.

“We strongly encourage everyone involved allowing courts room necessary perform their duties appropriately ,” she added.

If you’re facing immediate danger or fear your safety-or others around you-please dial emergency services (911). For local support resources available near you check out crisis lines & local services using database provided through Ending Sexual Violence Association Canada.

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