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A teenager from France is now facing charges of mischief and public nuisance in Singapore following the release of a social media video in which he is seen licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine before returning it to its place.
The individual, identified as 18-year-old Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, was formally charged on April 24. According to The Straits Times, Singapore’s leading English-language newspaper, he has not yet entered a plea.
The incident allegedly took place in a shopping mall on March 12, and the video quickly gained widespread attention upon its release, as reported by the newspaper.
On Wednesday, the court allowed the teen to travel to Manila from May 2 to May 25 for a required school trip necessary for his graduation, according to The Straits Times. He is expected to return to court on May 29.
If found guilty of mischief, the teen could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. The public nuisance charge is less severe, carrying a potential penalty of up to three months in jail, a fine, or both.
IJooz, the company operating the juice vending machine, filed a police report, and sanitized the dispenser while replacing all 500 straws in the machine.
It said it would upgrade its machines to include measures such as individually packaged straws and straw compartments that unlock only after the transaction is completed.
Lawyers for the teen, who is studying in a French business school in Singapore, declined to comment on the case when contacted.
Singapore, a small, densely populated city-state, tightly regulates public behavior and cleanliness. This includes restrictions like limits on chewing gum and strong penalties for littering and vandalism.