SINGAPORE - A part-time mover who robbed a construction worker of his mobile phone and wallet with an accomplice was sentenced to three years' jail and 12 strokes of the cane on Monday.

Muhammad Maliki Kalim, 25, admitted to robbing Mr Li Ye Chuan, 47, of his belongings totalling $145 along Guillemard Road at about 3.40am on Juy 21 this year.

The case against the co-accused Muhammad Fazil Rahman, 36, is in the pre-trial conference stage.

The court heard that Maliki and Fazil were walking along Guillemard Road when Maliki bumped into Mr Li walking in the opposite direction. Mr Li immediately apologised to the duo.

Fazil allegedly punched Mr Li in the right eye, mouth and nose area, and on the back. When Mr Li realised he was bleeding, he used his hand to shield himself.

When he fell to the ground, the pair robbed him of his mobile phone and wallet and fled.

Mr Li called the police who conducted a search and found both men in a coffeeshop near Lorong 6, Geylang.

They were arrested after Mr Li came and identified them.

Mr Li suffered a blowout fracture to his right eye and had double vision.

Pleading for leniency, Maliki's lawyer Winston Quek, said his client has a serious medical condition in both eyes and had undergone surgery. He added that his client was a "very passive participant" in the whole episode.

Maliki could have been jailed for up to 14 years and given at least 12 strokes for robbery committed after 7pm and before 7am.