A 34‑year‑old former doctor from Sengkang General Hospital, Jonathan Soh Jingyao, was sentenced to eight weeks in jail on 15 December for filming a 31‑year‑old woman while she was showering.
Details of the offence
On 11 April 2024, Soh was staying in a residential unit with the victim. After hearing her shower in a common toilet beside the kitchen, he positioned his phone near a window and recorded her. The victim noticed the phone, shouted, and Soh fled. She later reviewed closed‑circuit television footage to identify the culprit. Soh deleted the video without viewing it, then knocked on her bedroom door, apologized and admitted responsibility. The victim informed her boyfriend, who called the police.
Legal proceedings and sentencing
Soh pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism, with a second similar charge taken into consideration. He was accompanied to court by his wife and friends. A gag order protected the victim’s identity, but the prosecution highlighted that Soh “breached the relationship of trust” with her.
The court considered a mandatory treatment order (MTO) recommended by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), which suggested 18 months of treatment for his voyeurism disorder. However, the judge found the offence warranted detention, emphasizing deterrence and the lack of a clear link between his psychiatric condition and the act. Deputy Public Prosecutor Xu Sijia argued that the disorder did not substantially impair Soh’s self‑control.
While the IMH report deemed the disorder “mild” and the offender “largely” in control, the judge noted the absence of an explanation regarding the psychiatric condition’s contribution to the crime and imposed the eight‑week custodial sentence.
Professional repercussions
In response to queries from CNA, a spokesperson for Sengkang General Hospital confirmed that Soh resigned in February 2025. He remains listed as a doctor on the Singapore Medical Council’s website, with his practising certificate set to expire at the end of the month.
Potential next steps
Given the sentencing, Soh could face further professional actions, such as non‑renewal of his practising certificate after it expires. The case may also influence how courts balance psychiatric treatment orders against custodial sentences in future voyeurism prosecutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crime did Jonathan Soh commit?
Soh was convicted of voyeurism after secretly filming a woman in the shower and was found guilty of one count, with a second similar charge considered.
What sentence did the court impose?
The court sentenced Soh to eight weeks’ imprisonment, rejecting the recommendation for a mandatory treatment order.
What is a Mandatory Treatment Order (MTO)?
An MTO is a community‑based sentence that requires an offender with a treatable psychiatric condition to undergo mandated treatment.
How do you think this case might affect public confidence in privacy protections?
Related reading