Mask‑Free Maverick: A British Man’s Cue Ball of Legal Trouble
In Singapore, a 40‑year‑old Brit named Benjamin Glynn has found himself caught in a legal labyrinth that’s got everyone from commuters to court clerks doing double‑takes. The saga began, quite literally, on a commuter train in May, and has now spread across the State Courts building, a residential condo lift lobby, and a few other venues of disbelief.
Fast‑Forward to the Courts
- July 2 – Glynn was facing a mask‑free scene. When he first walked into the State Courts, the gate guard politely asked him to don the mask. He obliged, but the outside world was restless.
- Later that day – in slow motion – he was caught on a security camera stepping out of the building with a tiny mask that left more to the imagination.
- His bail, once set at $5,000 this month, was revoked on July 19 following a fresh court appearance.
The Unmasking Moment
In a viral clip that had everyone chuckling over “mask‑free can’t fight”, Glynn declared, “I will never wear a mask,” while afraid for the “religious” sanctity of his style. “I hate seeing uncles, granddads with a mask on,” he told a fellow commuter, and then refused a mask offered to him. The video also shows a commuter politely getting up from her seat because he’s somehow taken her place.
These moments were no wonder the court labeled them as harassment, public nuisance, and a breach of the Covid‑19 (Temporary Measures) Act.
Other Snafus in the Timeline
- May 7 – On the Raffles Place to Holland Village MRT ride, Glynn was again found not wearing a mask and was jokingly “an insult” to unmasked grand dishes.
- May 9 – A lift lobby at Allsworth Park Condo saw Glynn addressing two police officers with harrowing words, “I’m going to… drop you,” and walking like a boxer. He’s now also accused of harassment after this tussle.
Legal Eats & Punishments
The penalties are as follows, so buckle up:
- Covid‑19 (Temporary Measures) Act – up to 6 months in jail and a fine of $10k.
- Harassment – up to 1 year imprisonment and a $5k fine.
- Public Nuisance – up to 3 months detention and a $2k fine.
What’s Next?
Glynn’s pre‑trial conference is slated for Jul 23. That means he’ll have a chance to debate whether his theatrical habit of avoiding masks truly protects the sanctity of “religious personal freedom” or whether he just wishes to skip the next seat in the queue. Either way, the Court will be watching closely — for the fun‑or‑joke, the legal drama would be the same.
In Conclusion
So, whether you think this was an innocent prank or a serious legal offence, it’s a reminder that in Singapore, a mask is not just a health measure—it’s also kinda mandatory when walking into loudly proud symbols of social order. The next time you see a guy on the train marching to the rhythm of “no mask,” just give him a polite brush‑off and check the rules at the front of the door. And if you’re watching your YouTube feed, remember to double‑check the comments for legal action. Cheers to staying safe — with or without a mask!
