Accused in Welland toddler sexual assault a registered sex offender

CHCH News has learned a man accused in the sex assault of a Welland toddler is a registered sex offender.

The assault happened overnight on Saturday, August 30 at a home near Crowland Avenue and York Street.

Niagara Regional Police Service detectives say between 10 p.m. Saturday and 8:59 a.m. Sunday, 25-year-old Daniel Senecal broke into the home where it is alleged he sexually assaulted a child who is younger than five years old. The child was taken to hospital.

After reviewing surveillance video, officers identified and arrested Senecal, who is from Welland.

He faces several charges including aggravated sexual assault on a person under the age of 16, assault/choking, break and enter and sexual interference with a person under 16.

Police say the family does not know Senecal.

He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in a St. Catharines courthouse on Wednesday, September 10th. Court records show Senecal is a registered sex offender due to a prior sex assault conviction.

CHCH News spoke with residents in Welland who say they know the child and the family.

Koreen Perry runs a bakery in downtown Welland and says they would come by often.

“She would do Easter bunny pictures here, and Santa,” said Perry, “and even with her coming here, it’s not just an in-and-out visit — she would come in the back and watch me bake and I would give her little pieces.”

When Perry found out what happened over the weekend, she was shocked and angry.

“People are mad,” she said. “People are mad, they are devastated. How could you look at a little girl like that and do what you did.”

“She’s happy-go-lucky, oh yeah, she’s an absolute dream,” said another Welland resident. “You would never think something like that would happen in your neighbourhood, but when it does, its… and I have a special needs son, so it kind of hits home.”

“To think that this poor child was molested by this predator,” said another resident. “There’s so many kids on this street that it could have happened to any of them.”

“On behalf of the City of Welland, I want to express our deepest sorrow and support for the child and family affected by this incident.”

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe home, a safe neighbourhood, and a society that protects their innocence. I am horrified by this unspeakable act,” added Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch.

Anyone with information in asked to contact the lead detective by dialing (905) 688-4111, option #3, ext. 1009898.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can reach out to Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

READ MORE: Welland man arrested in connection with sexual assault of a child, say police