Skip to main content

Man Jailed for Threatening Ex Girlfriend with Intimate Videos

 


A 27-year-old man, Aaryan Raina Gobinath, was sentenced to 14 weeks in jail on December 23 after being found guilty of threatening to distribute intimate videos of his ex-girlfriend. He admitted to one amalgamated charge of making such threats, knowing they would distress the victim. Another amalgamated charge for making non-consensual recordings was considered during sentencing.

The victim, whose identity is protected by a gag order, had been in a relationship with Gobinath before they broke up and remained friends. However, their relationship turned sour when Gobinath secretly recorded intimate videos of her. Using the screen recording function, he captured two videos during video calls in October 2022. Additionally, he recorded two other videos during their interactions in October and November 2022. Except for the November recording, all were made without her consent.

The situation escalated on November 19, 2022, when Gobinath quarreled with the victim and threatened to share an intimate video with her friend. In December 2022, his threats became more aggressive. During a video call, he warned her to check with her friends if they had received explicit videos of her. He named two close friends and stated his intention to embarrass her. Gobinath also threatened to send the videos to her family members.

On March 10, 2023, Gobinath discovered the victim’s account on a dating app and became enraged. He sent her a link to a Google Drive containing four intimate videos, including three recordings she was unaware of. Alarmed, the victim realized the extent of his secretive actions. Gobinath later sent her a snippet from one video along with her mother’s phone number, which she interpreted as a direct threat.

Despite ignoring his messages and blocking his number, Gobinath continued to contact her through another messaging app. He sent another video snippet and repeated his threats to share the videos with her family. This prompted the victim to file a police report the following day.

During sentencing, the prosecution requested 15 to 18 weeks’ imprisonment, while Gobinath’s lawyer sought a more lenient sentence. The defense argued that Gobinath regretted his actions and had sought counseling with a pastor to address his anger issues. He also wrote an apology letter to the victim and faced significant disruptions to his work and income due to the case.

The court recognized the severe psychological and emotional harm caused by such threats. Under the law, threatening to distribute intimate images without consent carries penalties of up to five years in jail, along with potential fines or caning. Since Gobinath’s charge was amalgamated, the possible penalties could have been doubled.

This case highlights the dangers of intimate partner abuse and the misuse of technology in personal relationships. Authorities have reiterated the importance of respecting privacy and the severe consequences of exploiting private content to intimidate others.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

  In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...