More delays at manslaughter trial looking into death of 15-month-old

Already hampered with delays from the start the manslaughter trial looking into the death of a 15-month-old has been bogged down with more legal arguments.

Evidence in the case was suspended on Thursday, as both the Crown and the defense argue over taped recordings the mother of the toddler made with doctors.

Rose-Anne Van De Wiele made the recordings following the death of her son Nathaniel McLellan and so far, they haven’t been made a part of the court proceedings.

The trial which started in early September was originally slated to take four weeks but so far, Van De Wiele has been the only witness called in the case.

Before ruling to suspend evidence at the trial Justice Michael Carnegie said, “This is a unique situation.”

The young boy at the center of the case had been in the care of his babysitter in Strathroy before he was rushed to hospital and eventually dying from a head injury.

Six years after the death in 2021, OPP would charge the babysitter, Meggin Van Hoof, 46, with one count of manslaughter. She has pled not guilty.

Besides the recordings, the Crown and the defense are also arguing over media reports and podcasts made in connection with the child’s death prior to police charging Van Hoof.

The case has now been adjourned until Monday to give both sides time to schedule future court dates.