Rajbir Singh, who is now 27, was given a conditional discharged on sexual assault charge on Jan. 4. Singh, who was 25 at the time of the brazen sexual assault in a crowded Calgary night club against a teen, 18, was placed on three-years probation.
The 18-year-old woman went to the Back Alley night club in Calgary and was at bar waiting to order a drink when she felt a hand on her back. It went down her back, grabbed her buttons and vagina. Singh did it twice and when she said “what are you doing?” he walked away and went over to a friend who was wearing a red turban.
She complained to staff and police were called. He was arrested in the parking lot where he was with his friend in the red turban and two others.
A pre-sentence report contained conflicting information about Singh’s immigration status, that is, whether he was in Canada on a student visa, work visa or visitor permit. The sentencing hearing was previously adjourned to allow Singh to obtain an immigration opinion.
An immigration opinion letter was filed as an exhibit at the continued sentencing hearing on Dec. 4, 2023. The opinion said if Singh is convicted of sexual assault, he will be subject to a removal order and deported with no rights of appeal, including an appeal on humanitarian and compassionate grounds to the Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.
But, if he was discharged, he would have an admissibility hearing to determine if a removal order should be made, and he would have a right of appeal.
“His challenges on the immigration front are far from removed if he is discharged; but he would have a right to a hearing and to an appeal if the result of the hearing were a removal order,” said Justice Brown.
Singh was born in India. His parents, who have been married for over 35 years, and two older siblings all live in Punjab, India.
Singh entered Canada in 2018 on a four-year permit to study at York University in Toronto to obtain a B.A. degree. He did not enjoy his studies at York and moved to Calgary to work, with the intention of studying in the future. After the expiry of his study permit, he obtained a visitor permit and is currently awaiting a decision on extension of that visitor permit. He intends to apply also for a work permit as he is not allowed to work without either a work or study permit. His long-term goal is to start his own painting company.
Singh had a privileged, supportive upbringing. In Calgary, he lives with two pro-social friends he has known since the three young men were His friends describe him as “respectful, friendly, and a good person.”
Singh plans this year to marry his girlfriend, whom he met three years ago through mutual friends.
