French Teen in Straw Licking Case Allowed to Leave SG for Manila Internship

French Teen in Straw Licking Case Allowed to Leave SG for Manila Internship

Many of us living and working in Singapore know how important it is to follow local rules. A recent case involving a French teenager highlights just how seriously Singapore takes public conduct, even for actions that might seem minor elsewhere. The 18-year-old, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, who is facing criminal charges for a viral straw-licking incident, was recently granted permission by the Singapore courts to leave the country temporarily for an internship in Manila.

This incident serves as a strong reminder for all Filipinos in Singapore to be mindful of their actions, both in public and online. What you do here can have serious consequences, especially with Singapore's strict laws.

What Happened: The Viral Straw Stunt

The incident that led to these charges happened on March 12. Maximilien was accused of taking a straw from a dispenser on an iJooz orange juice vending machine, licking it, and then putting it back. He filmed this act, edited the video on Snapchat, and then uploaded it to his Instagram Story.

The video quickly went viral, causing a stir online and leading to a public backlash. Soon after, Maximilien was arrested in Singapore. The company operating the vending machine, iJooz, reportedly had to replace all 500 straws in the dispenser due to this incident. This shows the direct impact such actions can have on businesses and public trust.

Facing Charges: Public Nuisance and Mischief

Maximilien was charged with two offences under Singapore law:

• Public Nuisance: This charge came from filming and uploading the video, knowing it "would or would probably cause annoyance to the public." In Singapore, any act that causes annoyance or inconvenience to the public can be considered public nuisance.
• Mischief: This charge stemmed from the act of licking the straw and returning it, knowing it was "likely to cause wrongful loss or damage" to iJooz. The need for iJooz to replace all straws in the dispenser was considered damage or loss caused by his actions.

These charges carry significant penalties. If convicted of mischief, he could face up to two years in jail, a fine, or both. For public nuisance, the penalty could be up to three months in jail, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both. These are not light punishments, showing Singapore's commitment to maintaining public order and hygiene.

Temporary Leave for Manila Internship

Despite facing these serious charges, Maximilien, who is currently studying in Singapore and out on bail, was granted permission to leave the country. His lawyer requested this so he could travel to Manila for an internship, which is a key requirement for him to graduate.

The judge approved the request, with the prosecution raising no objections. However, this approval came with strict conditions:

• He must remain contactable while overseas.
• He had to post a S$5,000 bond to ensure his return.
• His next court appearance in Singapore was rescheduled from May 22 to May 29 to accommodate his travel.

This decision shows that while the Singapore legal system is strict, it also considers individual circumstances, provided the accused adheres to court orders and guarantees their return.

Why This Case Matters to Filipinos in Singapore

This incident offers several important lessons for Filipinos living and working here:

1. Singapore's Laws Are Strict and Enforced

Singapore is known for its strict laws and high enforcement. What might be considered a prank or minor misbehavior in other countries can lead to serious legal consequences here. This applies to everything from littering to public nuisance and property damage. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) enforces these laws to maintain peace and order.

2. Social Media Actions Have Real-World Consequences

Many of us use social media daily, but it's crucial to remember that what you post online can have real-world repercussions. A video meant for a small circle of friends can quickly go viral and lead to legal trouble, especially if it depicts illegal or socially unacceptable behavior. Always think twice before posting.

3. Respect for Public Hygiene and Property

Singapore places a high value on public hygiene and respect for public property. Acts like the straw-licking incident are seen as disrespectful and potentially harmful to public health and business operations. This is why charges like mischief and public nuisance are taken seriously.

4. Consequences for Foreigners

For Filipinos on work passes or student visas, facing criminal charges can have additional implications. A conviction could affect your ability to renew your pass, secure future employment, or even lead to deportation. It's always best to stay on the right side of the law to protect your status in Singapore. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) handles immigration matters, and criminal records can impact their decisions.

5. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Whether you're in an HDB void deck, an MRT station, or a hawker centre, always be aware of your actions. Simple acts of courtesy and respect for public spaces go a long way in Singapore.

Practical Takeaway

The case of Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien is a clear reminder that Singapore's laws are applied to everyone, regardless of nationality. For Filipinos in Singapore, it underscores the importance of understanding and respecting local laws, especially concerning public conduct and social media use. Always err on the side of caution to avoid any legal trouble and ensure your stay in Singapore remains smooth and problem-free. If you are ever unsure about legal matters, it's best to seek advice from a legal professional in Singapore.

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Sourced and rewritten with original FIS analysis from: [www.channelnewsasia.com](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/french-teen-ijooz-straw-licker-court-didier-gaspard-owen-maximilien-6088691).

Hero image: "Singapore Old-Supreme-Court-Building-01.jpg" by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Singapore_Old-Supreme-Court-Building-01.jpg).