Locked in Room

Friday, 30 May 2014 at 15:58

Two charged after ten year old boy locked in room for up to two years

LONDON - Two people are in custody after London Police say a 10 year old boy was found locked in a room where they allege he'd been held for up to two years.

Police say the boy was being looked after by his aunt and uncle but no names were released in order to protect the child's identity.

London Police Inspector Kevin Heslop says the home's master bedroom had an ensuite bathroom so the child had access to a toilet and shower.

"The room, in fact the entire house was in squalid condition. The bedroom had food waste, feces and urine on the floor and on the bed. At hospital the child was diagnosed as being underweight and suffering from malnutrition. The child has been released from hospital and is in the care of the Children's Aid Society."

Heslop says the clothing the boy was wearing when found was also soaked in urine.

The boy's aunt and uncle are both charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life and forcible confinement.

Police say the couple also has a biological child but there's no evidence at this time that that child had ever been locked in a room in the house.

Police say the child's parents do not live in Canada but would not identify their country of origin.

Executive Director of Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex Jane Fitzgerald says they acted on an anonymous tip from the public.

"One of our staff went to the home where allegedly a child was reported to be left alone late into the evening. Our worker found no one at home however did see a shadow behind a drapery. Based on her professional training and quick assessment of the situation, she contacted London Police for assistance without delay."

Fitzgerald says it's too early into the investigation to tell what kind of trauma the child may have suffered.

"We were happy to find out from him, that some of the things that he wanted to do right away is he wanted regular food, and he said the one thing he really wants is to go to school. So I think that's a good sign. He wants to reenter the world."

Fitzgerald says she is not aware at this time if the boy ever attended school.

The investigation continues.