The manslaughter trial for the tragic death of toddler Nathaniel McLellan has been postponed until next year due to a breakdown in the working relationship between the defense attorney and the accused. No official explanation was provided in a London court for the removal of lawyer Jenny Prosser, who was initially retained in 2021 by Meggin Van Hoof from Strathroy, the babysitter facing charges in connection with the 15-month-old’s death.
A new attorney named Geoff Snow has been hired by Van Hoof, but the court was informed that it would take him some time to familiarize himself with the details of the case. Previously, Van Hoof had engaged another lawyer before hiring Prosser two years ago. Snow assured the court that he would expedite his understanding of the case. Nathaniel passed away in a London hospital in October 2015, several days after being rushed to the hospital with severe head injuries. Van Hoof, aged 42, who operated an unlicensed daycare, was arrested and charged with one count of manslaughter in 2021, Plenty more on our website.
Initially, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Strathroy police had pursued the theory that Nathaniel’s parents were responsible for his death.
As the London Crown’s office was preparing for a four-week trial scheduled for this November, they received news that prompted lawyer Prosser to request her removal from the case. Speculation arose during recent court hearings that the reason may have been a disagreement over legal strategies or a loss of confidence by Van Hoof in her attorney. Prosser made it clear in court that it would be inappropriate to discuss the reason for her removal request. In Ontario, any change in legal counsel must be approved by the court, and this approval has now been granted.
A hearing will be conducted in December to assess his progress, and a new trial date will be determined in January. In Canada, accused individuals are entitled to a trial within a reasonable timeframe. Van Hoof’s new attorney informed the court that, since this delay is attributed to the defense, he is waiving any future claim that the trial was not conducted in a timely manner.
As has been the case throughout all the hearings in this matter, whether conducted via Zoom or in person, numerous friends and relatives of the McLellan family attended to show their support.
written by: C. Soares