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

Experts say linking Yukon, B.C. power grids a 'game-changer' but will take time

Experts say linking Yukon, B.C. power grids a 'game-changer' but will take time
Experts say the potential linking of British Columbia's power grid with Yukon would be a game-changer for the territory's quality of life and economy, but realization would likely take more than a decade.

Experts say linking Yukon, B.C. power grids a 'game-changer' but will take time

CRA cutting up to 280 permanent jobs in response to fiscal constraints

CRA cutting up to 280 permanent jobs in response to fiscal constraints
The Canada Revenue Agency is cutting up to 280 permanent employees in response to fiscal constraints.

CRA cutting up to 280 permanent jobs in response to fiscal constraints

Vancouver dismantles and consolidates festival memorials, advocates say it's too soon

Vancouver dismantles and consolidates festival memorials, advocates say it's too soon
For almost four weeks, the tributes to victims of the Lapu Lapu Day festival attack have grown -- piles of teddy bears, flowers, candles and cards stretching down Fraser Street from East 41st Avenue, then round the corner on East 43rd where the attack took place.

Vancouver dismantles and consolidates festival memorials, advocates say it's too soon

Steve Rai appointed Vancouver's new police chief after filling job in interim role

Steve Rai appointed Vancouver's new police chief after filling job in interim role
Newly minted Vancouver police chief Steve Rai says the city's diversity means its police department must be "accessible to everyone from all cultures," as he takes the helm at the department after the exit of former chief Adam Palmer. 

Steve Rai appointed Vancouver's new police chief after filling job in interim role

Ottawa has to allow home prices to fall to make housing more affordable, experts say

Ottawa has to allow home prices to fall to make housing more affordable, experts say
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed...

Ottawa has to allow home prices to fall to make housing more affordable, experts say

Conservatives hold onto Windsor riding by four votes after recount

Conservatives hold onto Windsor riding by four votes after recount
Conservative Kathy Borrelli has won the Ontario riding of Windsor—Tecumseh—Lake Shore after a judicial recount confirmed her victory today by just four votes

Conservatives hold onto Windsor riding by four votes after recount