Malaysians Hirris Martin, 22, and James Anggang, 23, who were initially charged with murder, on Monday pleaded guilty to robbing and grievously hurting Mr Abu Saleh Taser Uddin Ahmed on Jan 24 last year.

Admitting his role in the robbery, Hirris said in Malay: 'I wanted to rob him, not kill him.'

Justice Choo Han Teck adjourned sentencing to allow their lawyers time to prepare their mitigation pleas.

The High Court heard that Hirris and James, both cleaners, were drinking with some friends in Geylang at 11pm on Jan 23. When they ran out of money, another Malaysian, identified only as Ah Choi, suggested robbery.

Hirris, James and Ah Choi picked up a metal rod hidden in a drain and walked towards the Aljunied MRT station looking for a victim. Mr Abu Saleh was seated in a carpark at Lorong 25A Geylang when Ah Choi went up to him and hit his head twice with a metal rod. When he stood up, James knocked him down before punching and kicking him. Ah Choi then stole the wallet and the trio ran off to a back alley.

From the $50 in the wallet, each accomplice received about $12 after they bought six cans of beer.

Mr Abu Saleh, who suffered a fractured skull, died of brain injuries in Tan Tock Seng Hospital about a week later.

Police arrested James on Feb 4 after a tip-off and Mr Abu Saleh's brown wallet and EZ-Link card was found on him. Hirris was arrested nine hours later.

Police have not been able to locate Ah Choi or established his identity.

James also pleaded guilty to robbing another marine worker on January 13. At about 11.30pm, James attacked the Bangladeshi from behind and punched and kicked him before stealing a cellphone. James sold it to his supervisor for $30.

Harris and James could be jailed between five and 20 years and caned 24 times.