French Teen Faces Jail in Singapore After licking a straw of Vending Machine

Singapore– An 18-year-old French student is facing up to two years in prison in Singapore after allegedly licking a straw from a vending machine and placing it back, an act authorities have charged under public nuisance and mischief laws.

The accused, identified as Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, was charged with two offences following the March 12 incident at a shopping centre. According to police, the teenager allegedly filmed the act and shared it on social media, where it quickly went viral, prompting an official investigation.

Officials said the first charge — public nuisance — carries a possible penalty of up to three months in jail, a fine of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars, or both. The more serious charge of mischief could result in a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.

The vending machines involved are operated by iJooz, which reportedly had to replace hundreds of straws following the incident as a precautionary measure.

The student is enrolled at the Singapore campus of ESSEC Business School. The institution confirmed his enrollment and said it is in contact with his family, but declined to comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Authorities granted the teenager bail of 5,000 Singapore dollars, and his next court hearing is scheduled for May 22.

Singapore is known for its strict enforcement of laws, including for acts considered minor elsewhere. One of the most widely cited past cases is that of Michael Fay, a US teenager who was caned and jailed in 1993 for vandalism, drawing global attention and diplomatic tension.

The current case has once again highlighted the country’s zero-tolerance approach to public hygiene and misconduct, particularly in shared public spaces.