Michael Gordon Jackson's Appeal for Abduction Conviction: Seeking Justice and a New Trial
A man from Saskatchewan, Michael Gordon Jackson, has filed an appeal and submitted written arguments to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal regarding his conviction for abduction. Jackson, aged 57, was found guilty by a jury for taking his young daughter against a parenting order. He was sentenced to one year in prison on December 6, 2024, but due to time served while awaiting trial, his custodial sentence was considered served. He was also placed on two years of probation. The abduction incident occurred between December 6, 2021, and January 21, 2022, and Jackson was found with his daughter in Vernon, B.C. in late February 2022.
Jackson's appeal focuses on the judge's failure to instruct the jury on the legal defense of necessity, which allows a person to break the law if they believe there is imminent danger and no reasonable alternative. Jackson argues that this defense should have been considered in his trial and that a new trial is necessary. Additionally, he contends that the judge erred in not taking into account his previous contempt of court sentence when determining his abduction sentence. Jackson also emphasizes his pure motivations for taking his daughter, stating that this should have been considered in his sentencing.
The Crown has not yet submitted its written arguments in response to Jackson's appeal. Jackson's legal team, now represented by Thomas Hynes and Nathan Metivier, is seeking a reevaluation of his sentence and probation terms based on the alleged errors made by the judge. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether Jackson will receive a new trial or a modified sentence.