A 19-year-old French student accused of contaminating a straw at an iJooz vending machine in Singapore is expected to plead guilty next month, according to court proceedings.
Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien is scheduled to enter his plea on 13 July after being charged with one count of mischief and one count of public nuisance. The case attracted significant public attention earlier this year after a video of the alleged act circulated widely on social media.
The incident sparked concerns about hygiene standards and public health, prompting strong reactions from Singaporeans online.
Video Allegedly Showed Student Licking Straw Before Returning It
According to court documents, the incident allegedly occurred on or around 12 March at Goldhill Centre along Thomson Road.
Prosecutors claim Maximilien removed a straw from an iJooz orange juice vending machine, licked it, and then placed it back into the dispenser where other customers could potentially use it.
Authorities further allege that he recorded the act and uploaded the footage online. The video quickly gained traction across social media platforms, drawing criticism from members of the public who expressed concerns over consumer safety and cleanliness.
The widespread circulation of the clip reportedly forced iJooz to take precautionary measures to reassure customers.
iJooz Replaced Hundreds of Straws Following Viral Footage
Following the incident, iJooz reportedly removed and replaced approximately 500 straws from the affected vending machine.
The company is said to have incurred costs associated with replacing the straws after the video became widely known online. Prosecutors have cited these expenses as part of the basis for the mischief charge against the teenager.
The case also reignited discussions about social media pranks and the potential consequences of creating content that could affect public confidence in food and beverage services.
Many online users criticised the alleged behaviour, arguing that such actions could undermine public trust in self-service vending machines and shared public facilities.
Student Was Allowed to Travel Overseas While on Bail
Reports indicate that Maximilien was studying at ESSEC Business School at the time of the incident.
Although charged in Singapore, the court reportedly granted permission in late April for him to travel to Manila in the Philippines for a three-week internship. The internship was said to be a graduation requirement for his academic programme.
He has since returned to Singapore and remains out on bail ahead of his next court appearance.
The case is scheduled to return to court on 13 July, when the teenager is expected to formally plead guilty to the charges.
Possible Penalties if Convicted
Under Singapore law, a conviction for mischief can result in a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.
The public nuisance charge carries a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both.
The outcome of the case will be closely watched, particularly given the public interest generated by the viral video and the wider discussion surrounding responsible behaviour on social media.