Moscow, Sep 7 (IANS): A man in south Russia's Astrakhan region faces up to 10 years in prison for allegedly taking 46 rubles ($2) from a beggar, RIA Novosti reported.
According to the local interior ministry, the suspect threatened his victim with a knife and immediately left the scene, but the victim informed the police.
The man was detained by a police patrol shortly after, and was found to possess both the knife and the money.
The 28-year-old suspect initially denied involvement, saying he borrowed the money to buy a bottle of vodka. However, he admitted robbery after witnesses testified against him.
The suspect already has a criminal record of theft, robbery and poaching. The charges of robbery against him entail a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison.