'My worst nightmare': How horrific child sex crime drew hundreds to protest

Women who attended an extraordinary protest outside an Ontario court appearance this week by a man who allegedly broke into a home, choked and sexually assaulted a young child say they aimed to push authorities to ensure the child gets justice.

The case, in Welland, Ont., has drawn special attention because of the horror of the crime — the victim was under five years old, attacked in bed as the parents slept — and the fact that the suspect was on probation at the time for a similar offence.

“It should disturb people. It should make decision-makers feel uncomfortable and guilty. It should be obvious that the system is flawed and this must spark change,” Jackie Heximer said.

The protest outside the St. Catharines courthouse drew hundreds of people and led police to shut the street as the suspect attended a bail hearing. Heximer, who is a mother of two young girls and a sexual assault survivor, said it was crucial that the case not “fade into silence.”

“This case hits painfully close to home. Survivors know too well the feelings of powerlessness and shame that follow these crimes,” Heximer told National Post. “That is why we rely on those in power to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure that offenders like this are kept away from society permanently.”

One of the event’s organizers, Alicia Googoo, told National Post that the idea for the event was sparked after the “whole community was expressing their outrage on social media.”

“I thought maybe we could come together in a form that would help make change in hopes this child gets the justice she deserves,” she said. “I felt a sense of love and compassion in the crowd as victims of past sexual violence shared their stories of how the justice system failed them or their children.”

She said there were petitions signed by attendees that urged the Canadian government for change, and more than $2,100 was raised for the victim.

Heximer said another reason she attended the protest was to stand up for all victims “whose stories are not widely shared and who typically don’t receive the justice they deserve.”

She said the atmosphere was both “powerful and heartbreaking.” There was power in the unity and support for the victim, but it was heartbreaking because “so many of those in attendance were survivors themselves,” she said — “living proof of how deeply and widely the system has failed.”

She also condemned the fact that “predators are too often given a second chance” while victims are left with the life-altering consequences.

The suspect had reportedly been arrested in 2021 and faced similar charges. Court documents showed he was charged with the sexual assault of a minor, sexual interference of a minor and choking, CTV News reported. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Public records indicate the suspect “was subject to a probation order at the time of the offence,” said Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy in a statement posted on X .

The case caught the attention of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. On Sept. 11, Poilievre hosted a news conference calling for “jail, not bail to bring back safety for all Canadians.”

“As a mother, this is my worst nightmare,” said Heximber, adding that a child’s bed should be a safe space, never a place where they can be “subjected to such violence and horror.”

The suspect was identified by police as Daniel Senecal. He was taken back into custody after a court appearance via video link and the date of the hearing was pushed to Oct. 15, per local radio station 610 CKTB. According to CBC News, the date was moved to “give him more time to consult with a lawyer.”

Senecal is facing five charges , including aggravated sexual assault on a person under 16, assault, choking, and breaking and entering.

• FIRST READING: Poilievre slams reports that 'vile monster' is seeking transfer to women's prison
• Protests call for 'no bail' after Welland man accused of sexually assaulting toddler

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