Ontario corrections officials have rejected a request to transfer Daniel Senecal, a registered child sex offender, to a women's prison. The 25-year-old is currently awaiting a bail hearing related to new charges involving an attack on a three-year-old girl in Welland, Ontario. Senecal was previously released after serving time for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in the same region.

The latest incident occurred over the Labour Day weekend when the toddler was reportedly assaulted after an intruder broke into her family's home. Niagara police stated that the child, referred to as "Little E" by supporters, sustained serious injuries and required advanced medical care at a hospital outside the region.

Senecal faces five charges, including break and enter, aggravated sexual assault, and sexual interference. The identities of both the 12-year-old and the three-year-old are protected under a publication ban.

On Wednesday, Senecal appeared in St. Catharines court via audio link from the Niagara Detention Centre, where he is currently held. He identified himself as "Daniel" during the hearing. A Facebook page believed to belong to him uses the name "Dani Sénécal" and the pronouns "she/her." Senecal remains in custody and is scheduled for another virtual court appearance on October 15.

The new charges have sparked protests and calls for stricter sentencing for violent offenders. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for a ban on biological men in women's prisons, criticizing the attempt to transfer Senecal. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated, "This scumbag deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life."

Senecal was arrested on August 31 and charged with sexual assault of a minor following the incident involving the three-year-old girl. He had been released from jail in March after serving time for the earlier assault in 2021. Court records indicate that he is on the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years.

The Niagara Regional Police Service has issued warnings against vigilante actions as the case unfolds. This caution follows rallies by bikers and members of a far-right extremist group demanding justice for the young victim. Police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin emphasized the importance of allowing the judicial process to proceed without interference, stating, "Taking justice into one's own hands places community safety at risk and undermines the judicial process."

Inaccurate information about Senecal's case has circulated online, including false claims that he was released on bail last week. Over 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Wednesday, expressing outrage over the situation. Welland Mayor Frank Campion remarked, "The community is outraged over this," while also urging for accurate information to prevent further harm to the families involved.

Many protesters carried signs opposing bail for Senecal and advocating for reforms to keep violent offenders incarcerated longer. Some demonstrators were affiliated with motorcycle clubs known for their extremist views. Following the courthouse rally, a group of bikers protested outside the Thorold jail, led by an individual linked to a known extremist group.

The Niagara police service is collaborating with community partners to address public concerns and advocate for bail reform, urging the public to trust the judicial system.