A WOMAN who robbed another of $15 was packed off to jail for 3 1/2 years on Wednesday.

Song Kim Ing, 27, admitted to robbing Ms Tan Lay Leng, 41, at the void deck of a block of flats at Henderson Road on Nov 1.

A district court heard that she had earlier approached Mr Mohamad Rafi Shahul Hameed, 36, with a knife and demanded money from him. But the attempted robbery failed. Mr Rafi alerted the police.

About 15 minutes later, Song went up to Ms Tan who was chit-chatting with her friend and asked in Hokkien if the victim was looking for trouble.

Bemused, Ms Tan replied in the negative.

Song walked away and returned shortly and asked the victim for $50.

When the victim said she did not have any cash, Song whipped out a knife and pointed it at the victim.

Out of fear, Ms Tan took out $10 from her wallet and gave it to Song who took another $5 from her wallet.

Before leaving, Song told Ms Tan not to leave the place.

Police came and arrested her nearby.

The attempted robbery charge and an attempted robbery with hurt charge were considered.

Song, who was found to be dependent on sleeping pills, could have been jailed for up to 14 years for robbery.