BALWINDER SINGH FROM EDINBURGH FACES JUSTICE AFTER CHILD RAPE AND FLEEING TO CANADA
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Edinburgh, Balwinder Singh, aged 54, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving a young girl and has faced the consequences of his actions after fleeing the country.The incident dates back to the summer of 2016 when Singh committed a grievous sexual assault on a 12-year-old girl at a residence in Edinburgh.
The young victim, who was still in her early teens, later reported experiencing severe stomach pains, which prompted her mother to seek medical attention.
In December of that year, the girl was taken to a family doctor, where it was confirmed that she was pregnant.
Further investigations revealed that her conception likely occurred around mid-June 2016, during the period when the assault took place.
Due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy, medical professionals determined that an abortion was no longer a viable option, and the girl subsequently gave birth to the child.
The process of childbirth was complicated by her naivety and lack of understanding, which made labor more difficult for her, as detailed during the proceedings in the High Court in Edinburgh.
Following the crime, Singh managed to escape the country, fleeing to Canada.
It was only after his detention by Canadian authorities that he was brought back to Scotland to face justice.
The court heard that Singh had been detained in Canada before being deported back to the UK.
During the trial, a judge addressed Singh directly, stating, “You have pled guilty to the rape of a 12-year-old child on an occasion in 2016.
The victim became pregnant and gave birth which caused her very considerable distress.” Lady Scott, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that child rape is always a serious matter.
She also referenced a background report on Singh, which indicated that he had, on occasion, blamed the young girl for his conduct.
The judge clarified that there was no evidence of grooming involved in the case and acknowledged Singh’s early guilty plea, as well as his lack of prior sexual offenses or relevant criminal record.
Had the case gone to trial, Singh could have faced an eight-year prison sentence, but instead, he was sentenced to five years and four months in prison after admitting guilt.
Prosecutor Isla Davie QC provided further details, revealing that the baby was born under sheets at the girl’s request and was immediately removed from her room.
The young girl never saw her child, but she was deeply distressed upon hearing its cries.
The infant was placed in foster care and later adopted.
The court described the girl as “a very young, naive, shy, little girl,” with little or no sexual knowledge, as her mother had removed her from sex education at school.
Police efforts to identify the father involved obtaining the baby’s Guthrie card for DNA testing, which confirmed Singh’s paternity.
It was discovered that Singh had left for Hong Kong before traveling to Canada.
In January of this year, Canadian authorities informed Scottish police that Singh was in custody following a shoplifting arrest.
He was subsequently deported and arrested upon arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport.
A DNA sample taken at that time confirmed his paternity of the child.
Singh had earlier admitted to the police that, between June 1 and July 31, 2016, he had raped the girl, resulting in her pregnancy and the birth of the child.
As a result, Singh has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.
In a related development, back in June 2020, Singh’s case was highlighted as a significant example of justice being served after fleeing the UK to avoid prosecution.
The case underscored the efforts of law enforcement agencies working across borders to bring offenders to justice.
Detective Inspector Jonny Wright of Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit expressed his thoughts on the case, stating, “Today, Singh has pled guilty to raping a 12-year-old child in 2016.
My thoughts continue to remain with the victim and those impacted by Singh’s actions.
Singh fled the country soon after the offence came to light and travelled across the world seeking to avoid detection.
However, his attempts would not be allowed to succeed, and through dedicated national and international cooperation, he was traced, deported from Canada, and ultimately arrested in the UK on March 12.” Authorities worked closely with Canadian law enforcement and Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services to secure a conviction.
Singh’s sentencing will be scheduled at a later date, but his guilty plea and the evidence presented have marked a significant step in delivering justice for the young victim and reaffirming the community’s stance against such grave crimes.
