Monday, December 15, 2025
ADVT 
National

Calgary parents sentenced to 6 years in prison for toddler's scalding death

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Jul, 2025 10:59 AM
  • Calgary parents sentenced to 6 years in prison for toddler's scalding death

A Calgary mother and father who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the scalding death of their toddler have each been sentenced to six years in prison.

Justice Glen Poelman of Court of King’s Bench says the couple displayed wanton disregard for the safety of 18-month-old Gabriel Sinclair-Pasqua, who died in 2021.

Sonya Pasqua and Michael Sinclair both told court they're extremely sorry and heartbroken over the death.

Court heard the child received head trauma and was scalded, with the burns covering a third of his body.

It was told the scalding was so severe that the boy should have received immediate care, but the parents didn't seek help and tried to treat the burns with honey.

Sinclair was given roughly 3 1/2 years credit for time already served in custody while Pasqua received about 1 1/2 years credit.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland

MORE National ARTICLES

One in four Canadians report being affected by extreme weather in last year: poll

One in four Canadians report being affected by extreme weather in last year: poll
Among those who said they had felt the impacts of extreme weather, almost two-thirds reported being forced to stay indoors because of air quality concerns, while 39 per cent reported suffering emotional stress.

One in four Canadians report being affected by extreme weather in last year: poll

Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy

Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy
All 307 passengers and 22 crew aboard Flight 182 were killed on June 23, 1985. About an hour earlier, two baggage handlers also died when another bomb planted in the same conspiracy exploded at Narita Airport in Japan.

Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy

Company to pay $330K after Edmonton worker trapped in smokehouse, dies in 92 C heat

Company to pay $330K after Edmonton worker trapped in smokehouse, dies in 92 C heat
Ontario-based Sofina Foods Inc. was directed by a judge Thursday to put the money toward a workplace training program after a joint submission from the Crown prosecution and the company. 

Company to pay $330K after Edmonton worker trapped in smokehouse, dies in 92 C heat

Two major wildfires in northeast B.C. are downgraded, leaving just one fire of note

Two major wildfires in northeast B.C. are downgraded, leaving just one fire of note
Both fires are now considered to be held, meaning they aren't expected to grow beyond current perimeters, as fire crews get support from heavy rain in northeastern B.C.

Two major wildfires in northeast B.C. are downgraded, leaving just one fire of note

Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill

Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill
Amendments to the bill made in committee include removing the Indian Act from a list of laws the government can sidestep when determining whether a project should move forward.

Federal power to sidestep Indian Act removed from major projects bill

Manitoba to close wildfire evacuation centres as some communities return home

Manitoba to close wildfire evacuation centres as some communities return home
As more communities return home, the province is looking to decommission congregate shelters that were set up to accommodate the more than 22,000 people displaced during the latest set of wildfires.

Manitoba to close wildfire evacuation centres as some communities return home