SINGAPORE — A 28-year-old man who allegedly attempted to rob a convenience store in Lavender with a penknife was charged in court on Thursday (March 29).

Patmakantan Arevalagam, a Malaysian, faces one count of attempting an armed robbery, an offence that is punishable with a jail term of between two and seven years, with at least 12 strokes of the cane.

Patmakantan was said to have entered Everyday Mart, located along Tyrwhitt Road, between 1.24pm and 1.46pm on Wednesday.

Brandishing a penknife, with a 10cm-long retractable blade, he allegedly demanded money — around S$200 — from 78-year-old Lau Yean Toh, who was manning the store.

A police news release on Wednesday night said Madam Lau put up a struggle, and Patmakantan fled the scene without any money. Mdm Lau did not sustain any injuries as a result of the crime, the police added.

In under five hours after a report was lodged, at about 6.35pm, police officers tracked Patmakantan down at Lavender Street, where he was arrested.

The police also said the penknife was seized as case exhibit.

Patmakantan appeared before the courts on Thursday through video-link. Police prosecutors applied for a one-week remand for further investigations. No bail was offered.

The court was also told that Patmakantan is suspected to be involved in similar cases.

Patmakantan, who was unrepresented, will return to court on April 5.