Welland toddler assault hearing begins with delays

A hearing is expected to begin this week for the man who pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with last year’s attack on a Welland toddler.

On Tuesday at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines, there were some delays as a sentence report was a cause for concern.

In June, 26-year-old Daniel Senecal pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with the sexual and physical assault of a three-year-old in Welland.

There is a publication ban on any information that could identify the victim.

READ MORE: Sex offender Daniel Senecal pleads guilty to sexual assault of Welland toddler

The assault took place in August 2025 and the child required hospitalization. Niagara police arrested Senecal shortly after.

Senecal pleaded guilty last month to many charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a person under the age of 16, break and enter, sexual interference, assault by choking, possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and breach of probation.

The hearing is anticipated to last several days, with a sentencing date possibly being disclosed during this time.

On Wednesday, the hearing is set to continue at the St. Catharines courthouse.

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