Protests expected as Welland toddler assault hearing continues

There are expected to be demonstrations throughout the city on Thursday as the hearing connected to the vicious attack of a Welland toddler last summer continues in St. Catharines.

Last month, 26-year-old Daniel Senecal pleaded guilty to six charges related to the attack and sexual assault of a three-year-old girl in her bedroom last August.

The three-year-old girl was hospitalized for her injuries and the incident prompted a series of protests and community calls for harsher sentencing.

In 2021, Senecal was previously convicted of the sexual and physical assault of a 12-year-old boy and was sentenced to 18 months in jail. He was on probation when the Welland incident took place.

On Wednesday, one witness took to the stand, who was a former friend and housemate of Senecal.

The disagreement between the Crown and defence here being if Senecal told this friend that he “did something bad” and knew he had a bloody weapon in the house, or if that conversation never took place — as the defence alleges.

WATCH MORE: Hearing in St. Catharines on 2025 assault of Welland toddler begins