CALGARY — A Calgary mother and father who pleaded guilty to manslaughter after leaving their toddler sitting in a diaper of scalding hot water have each been sentenced to six years in prison.
“Their actions indicate a wanton disregard for the safety of Gabriel,” Justice Glen Poelman of Court of King’s Bench said Wednesday at the sentencing of Michael Sinclair and Sonya Pasqua.
“The circumstances of the event are extremely grave,” Poelman added, as Sinclair looked at the floor and Pasqua cried softly.
Sinclair was given roughly 3 1/2 years credit for time already served in custody, while Pasqua received about 1 1/2 years credit.
Before sentencing, the parents told court they're extremely sorry and heartbroken over the death of their 18-month old son in 2021.
"I miss Gabriel,” a sobbing Pasqua told court. "I am sorry. Nothing will take away the pain of the loss of my son. I failed. I just love my kids so much.
"I have to live with this forever."
Sinclair said, "I am sorry to everyone who is involved in this tragedy. I loved my son unconditionally. To this day I don't know why I didn't have the courage to call an ambulance."
Court heard the child received head trauma and was scalded, with the burns covering a third of his body, after he was left to sit in a diaper containing the steaming water.
A pediatric surgeon earlier told court the scalding was so severe the boy should have received immediate care, but the parents didn't seek help and tried to treat the burns with honey.
The Crown had asked for a sentence of eight to 12 years in prison, while defence lawyers requested three and five years.
Crown prosecutor Vicki Faulkner had described the crime as at the highest end of moral culpability and said the parents saw the boy as a paycheque.
Court heard the boy was taken social services as a newborn after his mother tested positive for cocaine, alcohol and marijuana. He was placed in a loving home with his great-uncle, Gerry Bakoway, but was returned to his biological parents months before he died.
Court heard the boy died of blunt force head trauma and the untreated burns that led to sepsis.
Family members sat quietly throughout the sentencing, wearing orange T-shirts with Gabriel's name and photo.
Outside court, Bakoway told reporters he believes the apologies from his niece and her husband were sincere.
"They obviously made a mistake. Everyone makes a mistake in this,” he said.
“Gabriel should have stayed with us, even if it was a little while longer. The sentencing for us doesn't really matter. Nothing will bring Gabriel back."
"The best scenario of sentencing is they do get rehab. And they're contributing citizens when they come out, and they live happier lives."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.
Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press
