SINGAPORE - A 28-year-old man originally charged with murdering a 23-year-old former air stewardess nearly two years ago indicated on Tuesday (Oct 10) that he will plead guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide.

"I plead guilty. Sorry for everything," Neo Chun Zheng told the High Court, on what was originally scheduled to be the first day of a murder trial.

The case has been adjourned to next Tuesday (Oct 17) for his plea to be taken.

Neo is accused of killing Ms Soh Yuan Lin outside his flat in Boon Lay Drive on Nov 26, 2015.

Neo, who is represented by Mr R. Thrumurgan, originally faced the death penalty or life imprisonment for murder without intention to cause death.

The court heard on Tuesday that the defence made representations to the prosecution last Wednesday, following which the prosecution made an offer to reduce the charge on condition of Neo's guilty plea.

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He now faces a maximum of life imprisonment and caning or up to 20 years' jail, with caning or a fine for intentional culpable homicide.

It was previously reported that neighbours said they had heard Neo and the victim arguing for about 10 minutes in the HDB flat, where he lived with his parents and an older brother.

Police responding to call at about 8.15pm found Ms Soh lying lifeless at the scene.

She was taken to Ng Teng Fong Hospital and pronounced dead about three hours later.