In a shocking case of betrayal, a 27-year-old Malaysian man and Singapore permanent resident, whose identity is protected to safeguard the victims, has been sentenced to 45 weeks in jail for committing acts of voyeurism against two of his female friends, including his flatmate’s girlfriend.
Breach of Trust in Shared Spaces
The unsettling incident unfolded in Singapore, where the perpetrator and his victims, a group of four friends, had initially known each other as undergraduates and later shared a flat. The group comprised a 27-year-old woman, her 26-year-old boyfriend, and another 26-year-old woman, all entangled in an unexpected breach of trust.
Voyeuristic Videos Unveiled
The court revealed that the offender, who also worked with the first victim, started recording upskirt videos of her in their shared flat during early 2021. Disturbingly, he extended this invasion of privacy to their workplace, filming her a total of 20 times in both the flat and the office. In 2022, he expanded his voyeuristic acts to the second female victim in the flat, capturing her on at least nine occasions.
Invasion of Privacy Escalates
The violation of privacy reached an alarming extent when the perpetrator began recording the first victim while she showered in the master bedroom, capturing her face in the process. On a particularly egregious occasion, when the offender was home alone, he attempted to record the victim in the shower. However, she caught him in the act, leading to a confrontation.
Lies and Apologies
Upon being discovered, the offender resorted to deceit, falsely claiming that he extended his phone into the toilet window because he heard water sounds and wanted to check if anyone else was present. He apologized to the victim, deleted the incriminating material from his phone and Google Drive, believing he had eradicated all evidence.
Legal Consequences and Apologies
The victim’s boyfriend, upon discovering the truth, confronted the offender and reported the incidents to the police. In court, the perpetrator’s lawyer sought leniency, emphasizing his client’s remorse, cooperation, and voluntary surrender to the authorities. The lawyer also highlighted the offender’s efforts to seek self-help through counseling sessions.
The penalty for voyeurism in Singapore includes a jail term of up to two years, fines, caning, or a combination of these punishments. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of privacy and the legal consequences for violating it. The victims, who undoubtedly experienced trauma, will hopefully find solace in the legal proceedings that hold the offender accountable for his reprehensible actions.
Note: The names and specific details have been omitted to protect the identities of the victims.