Man admits to filming NSF in shower at SAF training camp
SINGAPORE — While using the toilet at a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) training camp, a full-time national serviceman (NSF) decided to film a fellow NSF who was showering in the next cubicle.
The 21-year-old man was investigated following the discovery of his offence, and was found to be in possession of more illicit videos of men in toilet cubicles.
The man, who has since completed his national service, pleaded guilty on Monday (16 November) to one count each of causing harassment to his fellow NSF by recording him in the toilet, recording a video of other men in various toilets on at least three occasions, and possessing 14 obscene films in his laptop.
Another 13 charges of a similar nature will be taken into consideration for when he is sentenced.
The court called for a probation suitability report for the man, after the prosecution noted that most of the offences were committed when he was aged 20 or younger. He will return to court on 28 December for his sentencing.
The man and the location of the offence cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity.
Videos of civilians found on phone
On 15 May last year, the victim, a 23-year-old NSF was taking a shower when he spotted the man’s mobile phone with its camera lens pointed at him from above the cubicle dividers. He shouted in alarm and the man retracted his phone and fled from the toilet.
A military police officer lodged a police report on 14 June last year, stating that during investigations, videos of civilians in public places had been found on the offender’s mobile phone.
The man’s mobile phones and laptop were seized and sent for forensic examination. A total of 27 films extracted from the man’s devices were classified as obscene. He had also downloaded 14 obscene films involving men in various states of undress from the internet onto his laptop between 2015 and 2018.
Other videos of men either showering or urinating in toilet cubicles in various locations were also uncovered from the man’s devices. These were filmed by the man between 29 April and August last year.
In mitigation, the man’s lawyer, Genesa Tan, said that her client’s offences were his misguided method of exploring his sexual identity and that he was “immensely remorseful” for his actions. Tan said her client had a high propensity for reform.
The lawyer told the court that her client had gone to the Institute of Mental Health during his army days and had been diagnosed with adjustment disorder. He then received counselling while serving national service.
The man intends to return to school after the conclusion of his court case and intends to work in the healthcare sector in the future, according to Tan.
For harassing his fellow NSF, the man faces a fine of up to $5,000. For reproducing obscene films, he faces a jail term of up to two years, or a maximum fine of $40,000 or both. For possessing obscene films, he faces a jail term of up to a year, and a maximum fine of $40,000.
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