AN ODD-JOB worker who robbed two prostitutes from China at a Geylang apartment building with his accomplice was sentenced to five years' jail and 12 strokes of the cane on Tuesday.

Tay Hock Soon, 36, admitted robbing, punching and kicking Ms Zhou Gongjiao, 24, with Tan Gee Kang, 36, at Lorong 28 Geylang last Nov 9.

The two robbed the women of valuables worth $1,624. Tan was given a similar sentence in January this year.

Tay had another similar charge involving China national Yang Junxia, 26, and a causing hurt charge considered during sentencing.

A district court heard that the two men picked up the two women for sex at $70 each and proceeded to rent a room for an hour at an apartment building nearby.

While they were in the room, the two women asked the men to pay first. Tan then took out a POSB ATM card and gave it to Ms Zhou who said card payment was not accepted. She suggested that they withdraw money from the ATM.

Ms Zhou was about to get out of the room when Tan pulled her arm and hair while Tay grabbed her neck. Ms Zhou tried running away but failed. Ms Yang screamed for help but was punched and kicked. The men tied and gagged the women before they fled with Ms Zhou's handbag.

Tay and Tay were caught by two passers-by who heard the women's cries for help. Tay could have been jailed for up to 20 years and caned for the offence.