Sask. man who abducted daughter to prevent her from getting COVID vaccine gets 1-year sentence, already served
A Saskatchewan man named Michael Jackson was sentenced on Friday morning at the Court of King’s Bench in Regina for abducting his daughter in an attempt to prevent her from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Justice MacMillan-Brown handed down a one-year jail sentence to Jackson, who had already spent 541 days in remand awaiting his trial, effectively completing his jail time. In addition to the jail sentence, Jackson was given two years of probation and 100 hours of community service. The judge emphasized that Jackson must adhere to the terms of his probation, which includes no contact with his daughter or her mother, who is also his ex-wife.
The sentencing came after a jury found Jackson guilty in April of abducting his daughter in November 2021. He had kept the then-seven-year-old girl away from her mother for over 100 days before they were located in Vernon, B.C. in February 2022 with the help of tracking Jackson’s phone. Despite being granted bail in February 2023, Jackson was convicted of contravening a custody order in April 2024 following a two-week trial.
During the sentencing proceedings, Jackson expressed remorse for his actions and claimed that not being able to see his daughter since his arrest was already a form of punishment. However, Justice MacMillan-Brown was unsympathetic, stating that Jackson was responsible for his own predicament. The Crown prosecutor, Zoey Kim-Zeggelaar, commended the judge for her thorough consideration of the case and the factors involved in reaching her decision.
In conclusion, Michael Jackson has been sentenced for his actions, which disrupted the custody agreement and put his daughter’s well-being at risk. While he has completed his jail time, he will be closely monitored during his probation period to ensure compliance with the court’s orders. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of following legal procedures and prioritizing the safety and welfare of children in custody disputes.
