A Midland man charged with murdering a one-year-old and her mother in Canada is likely to be sent back to this country if found guilty.

Robert Leeming, aged 34, from Staffordshire, has been charged with killing Jasmine Lovett and her daughter Aliyah Sanderson in Calgary.

The pair were understood to be his lodgers after he traded the West Midlands fr North America.

However, reports in Canada claim he will likely never be a free man on Canadian soil if found guilty of the crime he was charged of on Tuesday.

His immigration status means that, if found guilty of the murders, Leeming would face deportation once released on parole.

Mount Royal University criminologist Kelly Sundberg said: “Instead of him being released....it triggers an immigration process.

Robert Leeming (centre) is charged with killing Aliyah Sanderson (left) and mum Jasmine Lovett
Robert Leeming (centre) is charged with killing Aliyah Sanderson (left) and mum Jasmine Lovett

“Basically, instead of going into parole or probation, you go into immigration custody, or CBSA custody. As soon as that guy is convicted, the next time he’ll see freedom would be in the United Kingdom.”

Leeming, originally from Stoke-on-Trent, has told Postmedia he is not a Canadian citizen but is a permanent resident, moving to Canada to “marry a Canadian woman” in 2013.

Ms Sundberg said it’s likely Leeming would still be deported if convicted of “a lesser sentence like manslaughter.”

She added it would be “nearly impossible” for Leeming to remain in Canada and apply for citizenship without an acquittal, even if he was convicted and appealed his sentence.