A victim of university student Bao Phuc Cao, who secretly filmed women in public toilets, has expressed ongoing concerns for her safety and an inability to use public restrooms.
Bao Phuc Cao, 23, was found with over 100 videos on his phone after being caught secretly filming women in public toilets. Authorities have not confirmed if the videos are of the same or different individuals, as stated in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on February 20, 2025. A woman entered public toilets at Chipmunks Playland and Cafe Docklands when she observed an iPhone being held near an adjoining cubicle wall, which appeared to be recording. She subsequently alerted security, who then located Cao in the cubicle.
Victim Impact
Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz read a powerful statement from the victim.
The victim detailed how Cao's actions have resulted in significant anxiety and hypervigilance. Her sense of safety has been compromised, affecting her ability to use restrooms in public and at her workplace.
Mykytowycz noted these as long-term effects of the offending.
The Sentence
On Friday, Cao received a 12-month adjourned undertaking without conviction. This requires him to maintain good behavior and comply with a pre-existing community corrections order. Cao had previously been sentenced in July 2025 for a related matter and in May 2025 for an October 2024 incident.
Mykytowycz considered Cao's guilty plea, age, and lack of family in Australia. However, she emphasized the serious nature of the offense and the entitlement of individuals to feel safe in public facilities. The court indicated that the offending was of an intimate nature and highlighted the need to denounce such acts and protect women in public utilities.
Cao's phone, which was used in the offense, will be returned to him after its contents are deleted.