An Egyptian national, Sameh Mohamed Kamal Farq, 44, accused of molesting multiple women by grinding against their buttocks, allegedly committed the same offence while out on bail. During another bail request on 18 September, Sameh thanked his wife for her support before crying and expressing his remorse. He currently faces two charges of outraging the modesty of a 29-year-old woman at the McDonald’s outlet at Gardens by the Bay on 12 May, and a 23-year-old woman near Marina Bay Sands on 9 August. While out on bail, Sameh allegedly reoffended and was later remanded in August. He is likely to face further charges.
Background
Sameh Mohamed Kamal Farq, an Egyptian national, has been embroiled in legal troubles for allegedly molesting women by grinding against their buttocks. The incidents occurred at prominent locations in Singapore, including a McDonald’s outlet at Gardens by the Bay and near Marina Bay Sands. Despite being out on bail, Sameh allegedly reoffended, leading to his remand in August. His case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the offences and his subsequent actions while on bail.
Expressed remorse
During his bail review application, which he conducted himself after his counsel applied to be discharged, Sameh appeared in court via video link from his place of remand. He began by thanking his wife for her support, stating that she “feels” his remorse. Sameh admitted to the charges, expressing his intention to plead guilty. “I will be honest with you … to plead guilty. Yes, I admit. The two charges – I am man enough to say, I do have very little touch. The other one I am ready to plead guilty. I will not waste the court’s precious time. I am not a man to play around with the court. I can’t cheat the court,” he said. He then reportedly cried, stating he felt remorseful “every day.” However, the judge reminded him that the session was for his bail review application, not for pleading guilty. “I can understand if you feel remorse. I think you have to understand one thing – this is a bail review application. The question is whether bail should be re-offered. You can plead guilty and feel remorseful, that’s another issue altogether,” the judge said.
Bail request rejected
Sameh explained that his mother had suffered a heart attack and is currently in the intensive care unit. Despite insisting that he was “not dangerous,” “follows protocol,” and “never misses bail time,” the judge rejected his request for bail. The judge cited “an element of danger to the public” and noted that Sameh had reoffended while on court bail. Despite the decision, Sameh attempted to ask for bail again, to which the judge responded, “I will not grant you bail.” Sameh’s pre-trial conference is scheduled for October.
Future implications
The case against Sameh Mohamed Kamal Farq is ongoing, with a pre-trial conference set for October. Given the nature of the offences and his actions while on bail, it is likely that he will face further charges. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how bail is granted in similar cases in the future, particularly concerning repeat offenders. The legal proceedings will continue to be closely monitored, as they may set a precedent for handling such cases in Singapore.
