An 18-year-old French student facing criminal charges in Singapore over a viral iJooz vending machine incident has been granted permission to leave the country temporarily for a school-related trip.
The teenager, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, was allowed to travel overseas for about three weeks on the condition that he returns to Singapore and complies with several court-imposed requirements.
The case previously gained widespread online attention after a video allegedly showing him licking a drinking straw and placing it back into an iJooz machine went viral on social media.
Court Allows Overseas Travel For School Programme
According to court proceedings reported by local media, Maximilien’s lawyer requested approval for him to travel to Manila between May 2 and May 25 for what was described as a mandatory “field experience” programme tied to his studies.
The court heard that the overseas trip is required for the teenager’s graduation. He is currently residing in Singapore under a Student Pass.
The prosecution reportedly did not object to the request.
The judge subsequently approved the temporary travel arrangement but imposed additional conditions, including an extra S$5,000 bond.
Maximilien must also remain contactable by the investigating officer while overseas and surrender his passport within 24 hours upon returning to Singapore.
His next court hearing has now been rescheduled to May 29.
Viral Video Sparked Public Backlash
The controversy began after Maximilien allegedly filmed himself removing a straw from an iJooz vending machine located at Goldhill Centre on Mar. 12.
According to charge sheets, he allegedly licked the straw before placing it back into the dispenser.
Authorities also alleged that the teen later edited the footage using Snapchat before uploading the video onto his Instagram Story, where it spread rapidly online.
The incident triggered strong public reactions in Singapore, with many netizens criticising the act as unhygienic and irresponsible.
Teen Faces Mischief And Public Nuisance Charges
Maximilien currently faces one charge each for alleged mischief and public nuisance offences.
If convicted of mischief under Singapore law, he could face a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.
For the public nuisance charge, penalties may include up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both.
The case continues attracting significant public attention due to the viral nature of the incident and the wider discussions surrounding social media behaviour, prank content, and public hygiene standards in Singapore.