A Saskatchewan man who abducted his daughter to prevent her from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine has been sentenced to one year in jail, probation, and community service. The ruling, delivered Friday morning at the Court of King’s Bench in Regina, brings an end to the high-profile case that began in 2021.
Michael Jackson, 55, has already served more than his one-year jail sentence while in remand, spending 541 days in custody. Justice MacMillan-Brown credited him for time served, meaning Jackson will not return to jail but will instead be subject to 200 days of probation and 100 hours of community service.
“He will be free to go today subject to the terms of the probation order,” MacMillan-Brown said during sentencing.
Jackson’s probation terms prohibit any contact with his daughter or her mother, who is also his ex-wife.
The abduction occurred in November 2021 when Jackson failed to return his then-seven-year-old daughter to her mother, disappearing with the child for over 100 days. Police located them in Vernon, B.C., in February 2022 after tracking Jackson’s phone.
Following his arrest, Jackson was granted bail in February 2023. In April 2024, he was found guilty of contravening a custody order after a two-week trial.
The Crown had sought a two-year prison sentence with credit for time served, along with three years of probation and 200 hours of community service.
Crown prosecutor Zoey Kim-Zeggelaar expressed her respect for the judge’s decision. “The judge obviously took the law and all the facts under very careful consideration and laid out a well-written and well-reasoned decision which really spoke to all of the factors that played in this particular case,” she said.
In her decision, Justice MacMillan-Brown dismissed Jackson’s claim that the inability to see his daughter since his arrest was punishment enough.
“Mr. Jackson is the author of his own misfortune,” she stated.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to debates around COVID-19 vaccination and custody rights. With the sentencing concluded, Jackson’s release marks a new chapter, albeit with strict probation conditions to prevent further contact with his daughter or her mother.