Indian student seeks discharge to avoid Canadian deportation after fraud conviction

Jins Joseph, who has been studying at Memorial University’s Grenfell campus, was convicted on July 24 of eight fraud offences and one theft offence for giving himself and others deep discounts on meat at a Dominion store where he was employed as a butcher. His counsel, Adam Crocker, told Judge Wayne Gorman that the conviction threatens Joseph’s immigration status, as his study permit ends on Sept. 30 and he must depart unless an extension is granted.

The judge delayed the sentencing decision until Aug. 20 to weigh the potential deportation consequences. Joseph testified that the store allowed employees to take unsellable meat to feed people in need, and that he sought permission each time. Crown attorney Janet Coleman recommended a conditional sentence of five months to six months less a day followed by a year of probation. Crocker requested an absolute or conditional discharge, arguing that a conviction would derail his education and future prospects.