Justice Anselm Charles Fernandis sentenced Aliff Daniel Ong Abdullah, 23, to five years in prison, and Joel V Michael Louis, also 23, to four years and six months for causing the death of Eddie Hafiez Yusoh, 42.

Their sentences take effect from the dates of their arrests on March 19 and 20, 2022.

Fernandis said the decision was made after reviewing the facts of the case, the prosecution and defence arguments, and a social report from a welfare officer.

The offence took place in front of a shoplot on Jalan Pesisir Bunga Raya in Melaka Tengah between 1am and 3.45am on March 15, 2022.

Aliff and Joel were initially charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

Under the alternative charge under Section 304(b) of the same law, read with Section 34, both were accused of acting with common intent and knowingly engaging in actions that could be fatal to the victim.

The alternative charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Based on the facts of the case, both accused, then 19 years old, were intoxicated and looking for homeless individuals who sniffed glue to assault.

They found the victim, known as Bob, asleep in front of a shoplot on Jalan Persisir Bunga Raya.

Aliff, who had previously borrowed money from the victim, first attacked him using brass knuckles, causing him to bleed and lose consciousness. Both accused then fled the scene.

The victim was treated at Melaka Hospital but succumbed to his injuries on March 18, 2022.

A post-mortem report confirmed that he died from a head injury due to blunt force trauma.

Deputy public prosecutor Asri Abd Rahman Sidik led the prosecution, while lawyers Paul Krishnaraja, Sheikh Ikhzan Sheikh Salleh and Nuradzlyn Sharmine Azrin Sham represented the accused.