Father faces up to 15 years for abuse that left son skeletal and malnourished
Sentencing arguments heard for man guilty of starving, confining boy for 2½ years. Crown seeks lengthy prison term.
A Calgary man who abused his young son for nearly 2½ years—leaving the boy in a "skeletal" state—could face up to 15 years in prison, the Crown argued Tuesday.
Matthew Jason Scott, 41, pleaded guilty more than a year ago to failing to provide necessaries of life, forcible confinement, and aggravated assault. His partner, Stephanie Alisha Baker, faces separate charges.
Between April 2021 and September 2023, when the boy was hospitalized, Scott and Baker abused the child between ages six and eight. The boy weighed only 16.2 kg (about 36 pounds) on admission to Alberta Children's Hospital. "He was so weak he could barely walk," Crown prosecutor Zailin Lakhoo said. "His appearance was described as skeletal."
The child was physically abused, mostly by Baker, and starved as punishment for not following household rules or "stealing food." He was regularly confined by being tied to a bed rail with duct tape and zip ties, and forced to sleep on the floor.
Lakhoo told Justice Ken McLeod a sentence of at least 13 to 15 years was warranted. Scott's defence counsel argued for five years plus 24 months probation, citing time spent in remand.
Before the judge adjourned the case to October for sentencing, an emotional Scott addressed the court. "I'm deeply sorry for my actions towards my son," he said. "I have no excuse for what happened. I really hope that my son will forgive me."
Scott remains in custody pending McLeod's decision. The case underscores the toll of prolonged child abuse and the system's role in finally protecting a vulnerable child.