In a dramatic court appearance on Wednesday, September 18, Sameh Mohamed Kamal Farq, a 44-year-old Egyptian national, was denied bail amid allegations of molesting multiple women in Singapore.
The accused, who is facing charges for outraging the modesty of two victims, broke down in tears while requesting his release, according to CNA report.
Farq faces two separate charges stemming from incidents involving a 29-year-old woman at a McDonald’s outlet in Gardens by the Bay on May 12 and a 23-year-old woman near Marina Bay Sands on August 9.
After his initial charges, he was temporarily released on bail but allegedly reoffended, prompting authorities to remand him in August.
Prosecutors have indicated that further charges may be forthcoming.
During the hearing, Farq expressed remorse for his actions, saying, “This is my first time in this country to do this offence.”
He appeared via video link from remand, dressed in prison uniform, and stated, “I will be honest with you … to plead guilty. Yes, I admit”.
“I am man enough to say, I do have very little touch.”
While he expressed a willingness to plead guilty, he ultimately broke down and shared his distress over his mother’s hospitalization, stating, “I am not dangerous.”
“I never fight back. I follow the protocol. When I’m on bail, I never miss bail time, I never run away” he added in court according to CNA report.
“However, District Judge Lorraine Ho stated, “This is a bail review application. The question is whether bail should be re-offered.”
Despite Farq’s pleas, the judge cited concerns for public safety and the fact that he allegedly reoffended while on bail.
“There is an element of danger to the public,” Judge Ho said, before firmly denying his bail application.
The judge told him “I will not grant you bail”.
Farq’s case has been adjourned to October for a pre-trial conference.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison, caning, fines, or a combination of these punishments.
Image via google for illustration
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