In a deeply unsettling case, a former National University of Singapore (NUS) student, Ng Yong Kuan, has been sentenced to two months’ jail for installing motion-activated spy cameras in female-only toilets within an NUS dormitory. The 27-year-old, suffering from schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to voyeuristic offenses and criminal trespass on January 18.
He was sentenced to 2 months imprisonment and is expected to begin serving his sentence on 1 February.
The Disturbing Incidents
Ng’s disturbing actions took place while he was staying with his sister in an NUS dormitory. Exploiting the vulnerability of the female-only toilets, Ng installed motion-activated spy cameras disguised as smoke detectors in October 2019. The cameras, were strategically placed on the ceilings, capturing unsuspecting women in the act of showering.
Ng also placed a phone on a ledge facing the door of the toilet so that he could be alerted if there was someone approaching the toilet.
Ng purchased two motion-activated spy cameras for approximately S$200 each and installed them in female toilets on different floors of the dormitory. He would retrieve the cameras after a week, transferring the captured content to his laptop. The offenses came to light on March 7, 2020, when Ng was caught in the act in the 12th-floor toilet.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Considerations
Ng pleaded guilty on November 14 to charges of possessing voyeuristic recordings and criminal trespass. The court took into account two other charges related to voyeuristic imagery when determining the sentence. Notably, Ng’s schizophrenia played a crucial role in sentencing decisions, with three psychiatrists affirming that his mental condition was a contributing factor to his actions.
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric illness, alters the perception of reality for individuals. Those suffering from this condition may experience hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. In Ng’s case, psychiatrists noted his belief that people were watching him, and he installed the spy cameras as a response to this paranoia, seeking revenge against perceived threats.
Legal Arguments
The court considered a mandatory treatment order, which directs offenders with mental conditions to undergo psychiatric treatment instead of serving jail time. However, the prosecution advocated for a jail sentence, emphasizing Ng’s planning and control over his actions, as evidenced by his careful entry into the toilets and retention of the recorded videos.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Selene Yap argued that a jail term would serve as a deterrent against future offenses. Yap pointed out Ng’s ability to plan his actions discreetly, showing a level of control over his behavior. Ng’s defense argued that his crimes were psychotically driven, not rooted in deviant sexual behavior, as described by one of the psychiatrists.