Registered sex offender Daniel Senecal is facing a new charge in addition to the five existing charges following the sexual assault of a three-year-old girl in her residence in Welland, Ontario. The 25-year-old appeared in a St. Catharines court via video wearing green jail attire from the Toronto South Detention Centre and was charged with breach of probation. Senecal acknowledged understanding the new charge during the brief court appearance.
Among the charges Senecal is facing are aggravated sexual assault, sexual interference with a person under 16, break and enter, choking, and assault. The arrest occurred while Senecal was on probation for an unrelated incident, where he was required to maintain good behavior.
Niagara police reported that Senecal broke into the young girl’s home over the Labour Day weekend and assaulted her. The girl’s injuries were discovered the following morning, and she received medical treatment. Senecal was previously convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in 2021, serving 18 months in jail and being released six months early in March. He was also placed on the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years.
The incidents involving Senecal have sparked outrage in the Niagara Region and beyond, with calls for stricter sentences for sex offenders and reforms in the criminal justice system. Authorities caution against vigilante actions, emphasizing the importance of allowing the judicial process to unfold.
At a recent rally outside the St. Catharines courthouse, individuals, including members of motorcycle clubs, protested Senecal’s actions. Concerns were raised when a man identified as a member of an extremist group shared personal information about the victim’s family online. Despite efforts to protect the identities of the victims, challenges remain in ensuring their privacy is maintained.
Authorities have denied Senecal’s request to be transferred to a women’s jail, as seen on a Facebook page using female pronouns. However, in court appearances, Senecal identified as male using corresponding pronouns. It is essential to respect the privacy and safety of all individuals involved in such cases.
If you are in immediate danger or require assistance, please contact 911. For additional support and resources, you can access crisis lines and local services through the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.