When the School Discipline Master Turns Into a Record‑Collector
What a Long‑Time Teacher Learned About Wrong Footage
In a jaw‑dropping incident that feels more like a horror‑movie plot than a typical discipline case, a Singapore secondary school’s “discipline master”—the guy who should have been overseeing classroom order—ended up violating the law at his own workplace. Throughout just over three years, he collected 170 upskirt videos of at least 47 women, including seven students.
How He Turned His Desk Into a Spy Agency
Picture this: a married, father‑of‑three teacher, cold‑hearted and methodical, would:
- Set his smartphone to video mode.
- Invite a colleague to sit at his desk for “data entry.”
- While she entered attendance or other data, place the phone under her skirt—capturing footage without a single piece of consent.
He repeated this routine with colleagues wearing skirts or dresses while trying to keep the operation covert, avoiding those in trousers. The same unscrupulous setup also targeted students at the secondary school, exploiting their trust in his authority.
One Teacher’s Call‑Back to Reality
When a female teacher who was one of the victims noticed the surreptitious recordings, she reported the matter to the police on 14 July 2018. Her action finally cracked the case open and sent the looking‑glass back to the official docket. The incident led to the teacher’s school’s mandate—the Ministry of Education immediately suspended and permanently removed him from service in July 2018.
The Legal Twist: Guilty Plea and the MTO Offer
On the Friday, the 49‑year‑old defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of “insulting a woman’s modesty.” Each count carries the potential for up to 1 year in prison or a hefty fine. Yet, the court was surprised to learn he suffered from major depressive disorder during the period in question. This has opened the door to a mandatory treatment order (MTO)—a path that could replace jail time with mental health treatment.
Upcoming Verdict Schedule
Under the current plan, a sentencing hearing is slated for 3 November. The judge has requested a comprehensive psychological assessment before finalizing the outcome.
School Oversight & Public Response
The Ministry of Education (MOE) reiterated its stance: “We take staff misconduct seriously and will act decisively to protect our communities.” They emphasise that the case is a stark reminder that disciplinary standards must never be compromised.
In Summary
- 170 incriminating videos captured.
- 47 women affected, including 7 students.
- The teacher’s courage sparked the investigation.
- Possible sentencing: up to 1 year in prison or a fine, with a chance for an MTO.
- MOE has issued a stern warning that no educator will be tolerated for such misconduct.
