A judge overseeing the manslaughter trial of a Strathroy daycare provider, Meggin Van Hoof, has urged the defence to move faster. He has warned that the cross-examination of the victim’s mother is dragging out the case.
Van Hoof has pleaded not guilty in the death of 15-month-old Nathaniel McLellan, who suffered fatal head trauma on Oct. 31, 2015. His mother, Rose-Anne Van De Wiele, has been on the witness stand for five days. She is facing lengthy questioning by defence lawyer Geoff Snow.
Justice Michael Carnegie said the trial is at risk of stretching far beyond its original estimate of one month. Much of the questioning has focused on Van De Wiele’s independent investigation into her son’s death. This included emails to police, reports to child protection authorities and discussions with doctors.
The trial, which is already nearly a decade in the making, continues in London.
