An 18-year-old student, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, has been charged in court after allegedly tampering with a straw at a juice vending machine, with prosecutors arguing that the act caused financial loss and public alarm after a video circulated online.
The act is said to have taken place on March 12 at Goldhill Centre along Thomson Road, where the teenager allegedly removed a straw from an iJooz machine, put it in his mouth, and then returned it to the dispenser.
As per the information presented in court, he is also accused of recording the act and uploading the video to social media, where it circulated widely and drew public attention.
Police confirmed that a report was lodged and the teenager was arrested on April 2 for public nuisance, with investigations subsequently carried out.
According to statements from the vending machine operator, the company became aware of the video on March 24 and filed a police report the following day. It said it was “extremely apologetic and dismayed” by the incident and has since implemented additional sanitation checks, inspections, and straw replacements across its machines.
The teenager is believed to be a student at ESSEC Business School, which confirmed it is aware of the matter and has launched its own internal investigation. The institution stated that it takes “conduct and community responsibility seriously” and is cooperating with the relevant authorities.
Maximilien, who is on a Student Pass, was studying and living in Singapore alone at the time of the incident.
In court, prosecutors stated that the teenager’s actions amounted to mischief, arguing that the vending machine operator suffered loss after having to discard and replace all the straws in the affected unit and carry out additional sanitation measures.
They also pressed a public nuisance charge, telling the court that the act risked contaminating items intended for public use and caused concern among members of the public, particularly after the video gained traction online.
Authorities further highlighted that the act was deliberate and recorded, suggesting awareness of the behaviour and its potential impact. The widespread circulation of the video was also cited as a factor that amplified public unease.
Didier, who is studying in Singapore, has not yet entered a plea. He was granted bail and is expected to return to court in May 2026.
If convicted, he may face fines, imprisonment, or both under Singapore law.
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