Boy's police interview played at trial of alleged park attacker, 32 years later | CBC News
The trial heard a recording of a 10-year-old boy’s 1994 interview with Peel Regional Police. He described an encounter with a man in a park that ended in an assault in a wooded area.
The boy said the man accused him of taking a wallet before the alleged attack. Afterward, the child ran from the woods and asked for help near a Royal Canadian Legion branch.
A person who helped the boy testified that he brought him inside, asked the bartender to call 911 and searched the woods for the attacker. He told the court that recalling the events still affected him.
Neil has pleaded not guilty to 17 historical charges connected to the case and two other alleged attacks involving an eight-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. The charges include kidnapping and sexual assault.
The proceedings concern allegations dating back decades. The article says DNA evidence helped identify Neil; the trial will determine whether the charges are proven. The allegations have not been established in court.
Key points
- A boy’s 1994 police interview was played at Neil’s trial.
- Neil denies 17 charges tied to this case and two other alleged attacks.
- The allegations include kidnapping and sexual assault; the trial will determine the outcome.