Back to a London court where Kent McLellan is in his second week on the witness stand, testifying about the events surrounding the death of his 15-month-old son, Nathaniel. The child was rushed to hospital with a severe head injury in October 2015. McLellan told the court he was desperate for answers at the time, saying his only focus was his son’s survival and asking police to investigate what had happened. Several days later, Nathaniel was removed from life support.
During cross-examination by defence lawyer Geoff Snow, McLellan said that as time passed, his concerns increasingly focused on babysitter Meggin Van Hoof, who was caring for Nathaniel at her Strathroy home daycare on the day he was injured. McLellan testified he believed something had occurred while his son was in her care, though he said he did not believe the child was thrown down the stairs. He told the court he suspected intentional harm.
Police investigated the case for several years before charging Van Hoof, now 46, with manslaughter. She has pleaded not guilty. McLellan also told the court he repeatedly urged police to continue the investigation, saying he wanted justice and answers for his son. The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday.
Written by: C. Soares