Boy, 10, found locked in Ontario bedroom for 2 years

Associated Press Published: May 31, 2014 4:00 AM

TORONTO -- A malnourished 10-year-old boy was found living in squalor in a locked bedroom at an Ontario home, where authorities allege he'd been held for up to two years by his aunt and uncle, police said Friday.

The boy was fed twice a day with fast food, was left alone for long stretches each day, did not attend school and spoke limited English, authorities said.

Police were alerted to the boy by the Children Aid's Society, which received a tip from the public, London Police Detective Kevin Heslop said. When police arrived to the home where the boy was staying alone at the time, they found him locked in a bedroom with foodwaste and feces strewn about.

"The bed was soaked in urine as was child's pajamas and there was food remains throughout the house," said Heslop. "The child was confused and upset but the child is doing quite well now."

The boy was taken to hospital Thursday and was diagnosed as being underweight and suffering from malnutrition. He has since been released from hospital and is in the care of the Children's Aid Society.

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Officials said the child had access to a toilet and shower because the home's master bedroom had an en suite bathroom, but said the entire house was in squalid condition.

"It's a horrific case and everyone sees it like that," said Heslop. "Of course this is upsetting, it's upsetting to everyone."

His guardians, an uncle and aunt, were