Tuesday, December 23, 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

Carney will not take up Trudeau's question period tradition

Carney will not take up Trudeau's question period tradition
Prime Minister Mark Carney will take part in his first question period on Wednesday — but will not carry on a tradition started by his predecessor.

Carney will not take up Trudeau's question period tradition

Alberta changing rules to ensure only 'age-appropriate' books in schools by fall

Alberta changing rules to ensure only 'age-appropriate' books in schools by fall
Alberta is bringing in new rules this fall to ensure only “age-appropriate” books are available in school libraries.

Alberta changing rules to ensure only 'age-appropriate' books in schools by fall

Interim NDP leader says party will play important role despite loss of status

Interim NDP leader says party will play important role despite loss of status
Interim NDP Leader Don Davies said Monday the party will still play a "profoundly important role" in this Parliament, even though it won't be granted official party status.

Interim NDP leader says party will play important role despite loss of status

Silent tribute and fundraisers mark one month since Vancouver festival attack

Silent tribute and fundraisers mark one month since Vancouver festival attack
Members of Parliament have held a moment of silence on the one-month anniversary of the deadly attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, as members of the Filipino community and others continue to grapple with its impact. 

Silent tribute and fundraisers mark one month since Vancouver festival attack

Trump vs. Harvard: Canadian university athlete Ocean Ma caught in the crossfire

Trump vs. Harvard: Canadian university athlete Ocean Ma caught in the crossfire
Highlighted by an Ivy League title and a divisional crown at the national college playdowns, Canada's Ocean Ma enjoyed a memorable first season on Harvard's squash team. 

Trump vs. Harvard: Canadian university athlete Ocean Ma caught in the crossfire

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive in Canada ahead of throne speech

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive in Canada ahead of throne speech
King Charles arrived in Canada Monday afternoon for a short visit that will include reading the speech from the throne in Parliament.

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive in Canada ahead of throne speech