French Teen’s Court Case Delayed in Singapore Over Vending Machine Prank
A Singapore court has postponed proceedings against Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, a 19-year-old French student, who faces charges for a prank involving a vending machine. The delay was requested by prosecutors to determine whether a conviction would affect his student status in Singapore.
Maximilien, who was expected to plead guilty to charges of mischief and public nuisance, allegedly filmed himself licking a straw from a vending machine at a shopping mall on March 12. This video, which was posted on social media, led to his formal charges on April 24.
The potential penalties for mischief in Singapore include up to two years in prison or a fine, or both. Public nuisance is punishable by up to three months in prison or a fine, or both. The case is set to resume on July 30.
The company affected by the prank, IJooz, reported the incident to the police. In response, they replaced all 500 straws in the vending machine and sanitized the dispenser. To prevent future incidents, IJooz plans to implement new features on their machines, such as individually packaged straws and straw compartments that only unlock after a purchase.
Singapore is known for its strict regulations on public behavior and cleanliness, enforcing rules with measures such as restrictions on chewing gum and severe penalties for littering and vandalism.
