The Melbourne Magistrates' Court last weekend sentenced Bao Phuc Cao, 23, a biomedical student at the University of Melbourne. He was caught secretly filming women in a public restroom at a shopping center in Docklands in 2/2025.

Cao had pointed his phone through a gap under the cubicle partition, causing the victim to panic and alert security. Cao was arrested afterwards, telling police he entered the women's restroom because he was "unclear about his own gender".

Bao Phuc Cao leaving court in Melbourne on 13/3. *Campaspe News*

Prosecutors stated that police seized Cao's phone and discovered over 100 secretly filmed videos. However, authorities could not determine if these videos involved the same victim or multiple individuals.

Cao pleaded guilty on 5/3, but the sentencing was adjourned pending a victim impact statement. The statement was not read publicly in court, but Judge Michelle Mykytowycz noted the victim was severely affected.

Prosecutors revealed Cao had previously received community service in 5/2025 for an offense "nearly identical in nature" involving another victim.

The court noted that since then, Cao had complied with requirements, attending as scheduled, and was ordered to participate in a dedicated education program for offenders of this type.

During the sentencing, the court ordered Cao to serve a 12-month non-conviction good behavior bond. During this period, he must maintain good behavior and continue to comply with the previously ordered community service.

"Failure to comply with the community service order will be considered a breach. Depending on the nature of the breach, the court may revoke previous orders and re-sentence," Judge Mykytowycz stated.

Bao Phuc Cao escorted from court on 13/3. *Herald Sun*

She added that she considered Cao's guilty plea, his young age, and the fact that he has no family in Australia, but still deemed the behavior very serious. She emphasized that complainants have the right to feel safe.

By Duc Trung. Sources: *Australian, Herald Sun, Campaspe News*.