A Vaughan man has been convicted and sentenced to 12 months custody followed by two years of probation after a hate-motivated assault that occurred in the City of Vaughan.

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, at about 1:45 p.m., York Regional Police responded to a report of a suspected hate-motivated assault against four Jewish adults. The victims reported they were walking home from a synagogue in the area of Bathurst Street and Flamingo Road when they were approached by a suspect on an electric bicycle. An argument ensued, during which time the suspect spat at the victims and made anti-Semitic comments before riding away.

On May 12, 2025, Justice M. Townsend found Kenneth Jeewan GOBIN, 36, of Vaughan, guilty of two counts of Assault and one count of Breach of Probation.

On May 13, 2025, following a sentencing hearing with multiple victim and community impact statements, Justice Townsend sentenced GOBIN to 12-months custody followed by 2 years of probation.

York Regional Police takes these matters seriously and is reminding the community we will not tolerate any form of hate crime. All reports of hate crime or hate/bias incidents will be investigated thoroughly. If you witness or have been the victim of a hate crime or hate/bias incident, we encourage you to report it to police immediately. Hate has no place in York Region.

Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.

Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
                    24-5997
                    May 13, 2025