A 51-year-old man visiting Canada to see his newborn grandchild will be deported and barred from returning after a conviction for harassing two teenage girls. Jagjit Singh, who arrived in July on a temporary visa, repeatedly approached the students outside a Sarnia high school, creating a climate of fear and discomfort.
Between September 8th and 11th, Singh consistently sought out young women in the school’s smoking area, persistently requesting photos. One girl, hoping to end the interaction, reluctantly agreed to a picture, only to find Singh invading her personal space and attempting to take more.
The situation escalated when Singh placed his arm around another girl after taking a photo, causing her to feel deeply uneasy. She forcefully removed his hands, a clear indication of her distress and a violation of her boundaries.
Initially arrested and charged with more serious offenses, Singh ultimately pleaded guilty to criminal harassment. The courtroom proceedings required an interpreter, highlighting the communication barriers that contributed to the unsettling encounters.
While Singh’s lawyer described his jail experience as “shocking and long lasting,” Justice Leszczynski emphasized the gravity of his actions. She stated unequivocally that such behavior would not be tolerated within the community.
The judge acknowledged that the pending deportation and ban from Canada were significant factors in the sentencing, resulting in a time-served sentence of nine days plus three years of probation – a disposition she admitted was unusual under normal circumstances.
Canada Border Services Agency officers were present in the courtroom, prepared to take Singh into custody immediately following the verdict. He had already purchased a flight home for December 30th, but expressed a desire to leave sooner.
The emotional toll on the young women was profound, as revealed in statements read during the proceedings. One victim described a loss of safety and a growing intimidation around older men, and specifically, men of Singh’s ethnicity.
She expressed a deep sense of betrayal, noting the added pain that the harassment came from someone new to Canada. This incident fundamentally altered her perception of both a culture and a demographic.
The other girl shared that her mental health and daily life had been significantly impacted, leading to a pervasive feeling of unsafety in public spaces. She expressed a haunting fear regarding the purpose behind the photos taken.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Singh’s lawyer conveyed his client’s remorse, stating that he understood the harm caused to the young women. However, the court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his actions and the need to protect vulnerable individuals.
