Trainee Surgeon Facing Charges for Covertly Filming in Hospital Restrooms
A trainee surgeon, who is accused of secretly filming nearly 4,500 videos in the hospital restrooms, has been released on bail. The videos are believed to have been filmed in the staff restrooms of three different hospitals within the city.
Details of the Allegations
The 28-year-old aspiring surgeon, Ryan Cho, is potentially facing around 500 charges. These charges are related to the thousands of private videos he allegedly filmed with his phone. Most of these videos are said to have been taken in the staff restrooms of three hospitals within the city over the past year.
Cho was given permission to be released on bail under the condition that he would reside with his parents, who moved from Singapore to the city in anticipation of their son's release. They were required to post a surety of 50,000 Australian dollars (approximately $32,000).
Prosecutor's Arguments & Judge's Ruling
The prosecutor was of the opinion that Cho might be tempted to run away due to the gravity of the charges against him. The prosecutor also pointed out that Cho had been suspended from his job and did not have significant ties to the country. Although Cho became a permanent resident of Australia earlier this year, he might face deportation if he was found guilty and received a prison sentence of 12 months or longer.
The judge, however, highlighted that Cho had given up his Singaporean passport and did not have any criminal connections that might aid him in leaving Australia.
Victims and Evidence
Authorities believe Cho may have filmed intimate images of at least 460 women. However, there's no evidence to suggest that he has shared any of these images. Cho was apprehended in July when a phone was discovered recording from inside a mesh bag hanging in a hospital restroom. It is alleged that he also filmed in restrooms of two other hospitals within the city.
Defense's Stand
Cho's lawyer rejected the prosecution's concerns that Cho could potentially tamper with witnesses if released. Given the number of witnesses involved in the case, the lawyer argued that any attempts by Cho to interfere would not significantly impact the case. "If my client were to engage in the criminal offense of interfering with witnesses, it wouldn't affect the outcome of the case," the lawyer claimed.
Initially, Cho was charged with six offenses, but an additional 127 charges, including intentionally recording intimate images without permission, were added subsequently. It remains uncertain whether the case will go to trial, and Cho has yet to enter pleas.