A 51-year-old Indian national who travelled to Canada to visit his newborn grandchild has been convicted of criminal harassment involving two teenage girls and will be deported, a Canadian judge has ruled.
Jagjit Singh, who arrived in Ontario in July on a six-month visitor visa, began frequenting the smoking area outside a Sarnia-area high school shortly after his arrival, according to police. Between September 8 and 11, Singh repeatedly approached female students, attempted to take photos with them, and made comments about drugs and alcohol, Canadian media reported.
One of the girls told police she initially refused a photo but agreed after hoping he would leave her alone. Instead, Singh allegedly moved into her personal space and attempted to put his arm around her. She pushed him away. Investigators say Singh, who does not speak English, later followed girls as they left the school property.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
Singh was first arrested on September 16 and charged with sexual interference and sexual assault. After being released on bail, he was rearrested following another complaint arising from the same day. A lack of available interpreters meant he spent an extra night in custody.
On September 19, in a Sarnia courtroom, Singh pleaded guilty to criminal harassment, a lesser offence, and not guilty to sexual interference. The presiding judge, Justice Krista Lynn Leszczynski, emphasized the seriousness of his conduct.
“This type of conduct will not be tolerated,” she said, noting Singh had “no business” being near the school.
Deportation Ordered Despite Planned Return
Singh’s lawyer told the court he already had a ticket to return to India on December 30, but the judge ordered immediate deportation and issued a ban on Singh ever re-entering Canada.
Strict Probation Conditions
Singh was also handed a three-year probation order prohibiting him from:
- Communicating with the two girls or coming near any place they live, study, or work
- Being around anyone under 16, except for his newborn grandchild
- Coming within 100 metres of any school, playground, park, pool, or community centre
The case has sparked renewed concerns in the Sarnia community about school safety and the risks posed by individuals who target young people.