Women who attended an extraordinary protest outside an Ontario court appearance this week by a man who allegedly broke into a home, choked and sexually assaulted a young child say they aimed to push authorities to ensure the child gets justice.

The case, in Welland, Ont., has drawn special attention because of the horror of the crime — the victim was under five years old, attacked in bed as the parents slept — and the fact that the suspect was on probation at the time for a similar offence.

“It should disturb people. It should make decision-makers feel uncomfortable and guilty. It should be obvious that the system is flawed and this must spark change,” Jackie Heximer said.

The protest outside the St. Catharines courthouse drew hundreds of people and led police to shut the street as the

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