Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, a 19-year-old French national, licked a straw from an iJooz orange juice vending machine at Goldhill Centre on March 12, 2026, then returned the contaminated straw to the dispenser [1, 2, 3, 4]. He filmed himself doing so and posted the video on social media, prompting public uproar [1, 2, 3, 4].
After the incident, iJooz replaced all 500 straws in the dispenser, at an estimated cost of S$5 [1, 2, 3, 4]. None of the public used the contaminated straw, as Maximilien retrieved it immediately after filming [1, 2, 3, 4].
Maximilien pleaded guilty to one count of public nuisance. A second charge of mischief was taken into consideration during sentencing [1, 2, 3, 4]. On July 30, 2026, he was fined S$600 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The prosecution and defence agreed a fine was appropriate given his youth and circumstances [4]. Deputy Public Prosecutor Maximilian Chew said, "I understand that ICA will make that decision having regard to all relevant considerations including circumstances of the case and the outcome of today's proceedings" regarding whether Maximilien's student pass would be cancelled [4].
Defence lawyer Kalidass Murugaiyan stated, "The contaminated straw was not used by anyone. Unfortunately, he made the decision to share it within his Instagram circle... that's how it became something that may have caused public disquiet." [4]
The maximum penalty for public nuisance under Singapore law is up to 3 months' jail and/or a S$2,000 fine [1, 2, 3].
The case followed an initial hearing scheduled for July 13, 2026, which was adjourned to clarify Maximilien's student pass status with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) [1, 2, 3]. The sentencing took place on July 30, concluding the immediate legal proceedings [1, 2, 3, 4].
