An Australian man has been charged with armed robbery with a knife at a money lending shop in Singapore’s Tampines district.
José Manuel Pacheco, 39, is accused of robbing a 32-year-old woman at Accredit Private Limited at around 1.40pm on Monday for S$6,095 (A$6,810).
Singapore police said Pacheco was wearing a mask and cap when he allegedly robbed the woman at knifepoint, demanding she place the money in a bag.
The victim remained calm as he picked up the money, police said, so he could remember what the man looked like and what he was wearing.
With this information, police were able to arrest Pacheco half an hour after the alleged robbery and recovered all of the money and the knife he allegedly used.
Australian Jose Manuel Pacheco has been charged with armed robbery with a knife at a money lending shop in Singapore’s Tampines district. The items Pacheco allegedly used are shown in the photo.
Pacheco allegedly stole S$6,095 (A$6,810), Singapore police said. the money is in the photo
Pacheco appeared disheveled as he attended the court proceedings via video link on Tuesday, Strait Times reported.
A police prosecutor asked District Judge Lim Tse Haw for a four-week adjournment, saying more time was needed to investigate the case.
The prosecutor requested that Pacheco be granted bail of S$20,000 (A$22,340), which the judge granted.
While on bail, Pacheco must remain contactable by police and must surrender his passport.
If convicted of armed robbery, he faces between three and 14 years in prison and at least 12 lashes.
If convicted of armed robbery, Pacheco faces between three and 14 years in prison and at least 12 strokes of the cane (pictured is a file image of a wicker cane)
