A man was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison on February 14, 2023, after pleading guilty to voyeurism and threatening to distribute an intimate image. The 26-year-old offender also faced a third charge of threatening the woman via PayLah transactions, which was taken into account during sentencing.
According to CNA, The accused had taken a nude photograph of his ex-girlfriend without her knowledge or consent. After she blocked him on social media following their breakup, he resorted to sending her one-cent PayLah transactions with threatening messages, urging her to unblock him.
The couple had been together from November 2022 to April 2023. The woman had been aware of the man’s fetish for taking photos and videos during sex but had not allowed him to do so. Despite her refusal, the man secretly captured a photo of her bare chest.
After being blocked on social media, the man used PayLah to send the woman six transactions of S$0.01 each, accompanied by threatening messages. He also sent her threatening messages via Telegram, including the intimate image he had taken.
Intimidated and afraid
The woman, feeling intimidated and afraid, reported the incident to the police. She did not know how many intimate photos the man had of her. The offender could have faced up to five years in jail, a fine, and caning for threatening to distribute an intimate image. For voyeurism, he could have been jailed for up to two years, fined, and caned. However, his identity cannot be revealed due to a gag order to protect the 26-year-old victim.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that the man’s actions were a serious invasion of the victim’s privacy and caused her significant distress. The defense, on the other hand, pleaded for leniency, citing the man’s remorse and lack of prior criminal record.
However, the judge sided with the prosecution, stating that the offender’s actions were a gross violation of the victim’s trust and privacy. The judge also noted that the use of technology to threaten and intimidate the victim made the offense even more serious.
12 weeks jail
The man’s sentence of 12 weeks in jail sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Singapore’s society. It also serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in similar acts, reminding them of the severe consequences that follow.
In addition to the criminal charges, the man may also face civil lawsuits from the victim, seeking damages for the emotional distress and harm caused by his actions. The victim may also seek a protection order to prevent the offender from contacting her in the future.
This case highlights the importance of respecting personal boundaries and privacy, especially in intimate relationships. It also underscores the need for vigilance in protecting oneself from digital threats and the importance of reporting any suspicious or threatening behavior to the authorities.