A 51-year-old Indian Man Visiting Newborn Grandchild in Canada has been convicted of criminally harassing two teenage girls in Sarnia, Ontario, an incident that has now resulted in a short jail sentence, a three-year probation order, and imminent deportation. ‘
The case, which has drawn attention for its disturbing description of persistent interactions with school-aged children, underscores the seriousness with which Canadian courts approach offences involving minors, particularly when the conduct occurs near educational institutions. Detailed courtroom accounts, victim impact statements, and judicial remarks illustrate how a series of encounters over several days escalated into criminal charges, leading to significant legal consequences for the visitor.
The man, identified as Jagjit Singh, arrived in Canada in July on a six-month temporary visa and was staying in the Sarnia area during the birth of his grandchild. However, between September 8 and September 11, his repeated appearances near a local high school and persistent attempts to engage with young girls prompted alarm among the students, school officials, and ultimately law enforcement authorities.
What began as unwelcome approaches quickly intensified into behaviour that the court deemed intrusive and unacceptable, resulting in criminal harassment charges. During sentencing, Superior Court Justice Krista Lynn Leszczynski made strong observations about Singh’s conduct and emphasised the safety concerns caused by his presence on school property. The unfolding of the case, as reported, paints a picture of repeated boundary violations that left the young victims distressed long after the encounters ended.
Court Findings and Sentencing
In court, Justice Leszczynski made clear that Singh’s behaviour around the high school was entirely inappropriate and had no justification. Singh did not speak English, and his court interactions were conducted through an interpreter, but the language barrier did not mitigate the effects of his conduct on the victims. According to testimony, he repeatedly appeared in the high school’s smoking area, approached teenage girls, attempted to engage with them despite their obvious discomfort, and persistently tried to take photographs with them.
One teenage girl, who initially refused to be photographed, eventually agreed only in the hope that Singh would leave her and her friends alone. However, the situation escalated when he sat between two students, entered their personal space, and gestured for additional photographs. At one point, Singh placed his arm around one girl, prompting her to immediately stand up and push his hands away, explaining later that she felt deeply uncomfortable and unsafe.
Singh was first arrested on September 16 and charged with sexual interference and sexual assault based on the initial complaints. While he was granted bail shortly thereafter, a second complaint from the same date resulted in another arrest. Bail was again approved, but he remained in custody for an additional night due to the unavailability of an interpreter.
At his recent hearing, Singh pleaded not guilty to the sexual interference charge but accepted responsibility for criminal harassment, a lesser charge that still carries significant legal consequences. His guilty plea formed part of the basis for the sentencing he received, which included a short jail term followed by a three-year probation order.
The probation order imposes strict restrictions on Singh’s movement and interactions. He is prohibited from contacting the victims or approaching any locations associated with them. Additionally, he is barred from being in proximity to anyone under the age of 16, with the sole exception of his newborn grandchild. The order also prevents him from coming within 100 metres of schools, parks, playgrounds, community centres, and swimming pools.
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These conditions reflect the court’s strong emphasis on safeguarding minors and preventing any recurrence of the behaviour described during the proceedings. Notably, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers were present in the courtroom and prepared to take Singh into custody immediately after sentencing.
His temporary residence in Canada was already nearing its scheduled end with a booked return ticket for December 30, but given the conviction, he is now set to be deported much earlier and permanently barred from returning to Canada. This immigration consequence underscores the broader legal framework in Canada, where non-citizens convicted of certain offences, especially those involving minors, face removal from the country without significant delay.
Impact on the Victims
The victim impact statements read in court revealed the emotional and psychological effects that Singh’s conduct had on the two teenage girls. The first victim described the experience as deeply unsettling and said it had fundamentally shaken her sense of safety. She explained that since the incident, she often feels intimidated around older men and specifically around men of Singh’s ethnicity.
The inclusion of this detail, as reported, highlights how the harassment has influenced her daily perceptions and interpersonal interactions, extending well beyond the initial encounters. Such reactions demonstrate how boundary violations involving minors can leave lasting impressions, shaping their feelings of security and comfort in public spaces.
The second girl also described the negative impact on her mental health, stating that the incident had left her anxious and uncomfortable in various public settings. Both statements provide insight into how seemingly short encounters can have enduring consequences for young individuals, especially when they feel powerless, cornered, or uncertain about how to respond in the moment. These descriptions played a role in the court’s assessment of the seriousness of Singh’s actions and the need for protective conditions.
The emotional harm endured by the victims also aligns with broader discussions around the vulnerability of teenagers in public environments and the responsibility of adults to respect boundaries and maintain appropriate conduct. The fact that the encounters took place near a school—a location associated with safety, routine, and community—further heightened concerns. Courts in Canada often consider such environments as particularly sensitive zones, and behaviour that threatens their safety is treated with severity.
Deportation and Broader Implications
Following the conviction, Singh faces immediate deportation, an outcome that many non-citizens encounter when charged with offences involving minors or conduct deemed harmful to public safety. His pending removal from Canada serves both as a legal penalty and as a safeguard measure, ensuring he cannot re-enter the country or risk further violations. According to the report, Singh had intentions to leave Canada earlier than originally planned because of the unfolding legal case, but the CBSA’s involvement ensured that he would not be allowed to remain beyond the conclusion of the proceedings.
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The broader implications of the case point to the challenges that can arise when cultural norms, communication barriers, and legal systems intersect. Singh’s lack of English proficiency may have contributed to misunderstandings regarding social behaviours or boundaries; however, the court made clear that this does not excuse actions that cause fear or distress, especially toward minors. Canadian law prioritises the protection of children and considers their vulnerabilities central to any case involving inappropriate or unwanted interactions by adults.
For visitors to Canada, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding local laws and social expectations. Behaviour that may be perceived as harmless or friendly in one context can be viewed as intrusive, threatening, or unlawful in another, particularly when minors are involved. The legal consequences for violations are significant, and for temporary residents, they can extend beyond criminal penalties into immigration enforcement.
Another dimension of the case involves the emotional and psychological fallout on the teenagers and their families. In many instances, incidents of harassment can leave survivors feeling anxious, mistrustful, and reluctant to engage in public life in the same ways they once did. Schools, parents, and communities often have to work together to restore a sense of safety and normalcy for those affected. The court’s sentencing, including the no-contact orders and location restrictions, reflects an effort to ensure ongoing protection for the victims.
The case also raises broader societal questions about community vigilance and the mechanisms in place to protect students near school grounds. The prompt reporting of the incidents and the involvement of law enforcement and school authorities indicate that safety protocols were effectively engaged. Nevertheless, it serves as a reminder that schools and community areas require continuous monitoring and that adults who frequent such spaces are expected to uphold high standards of conduct.
Jagjit Singh’s conviction and imminent deportation mark the conclusion of a case that left two young girls distressed and a family visit to Canada marred by legal consequences. For the Canadian judicial system, the matter reinforces the principle that conduct causing fear or discomfort to minors will be addressed firmly, regardless of a person’s residency status or background. For communities, the incident underscores the importance of maintaining safe environments for young people and responding decisively when those environments are threatened.