An Indonesian-Australian man has admitted to the attempted murder of a Cannington woman who was found tied to her bed while her house was set alight.
Anto Prawira Bintan previously pleaded guilty to using violence to steal cash and credit cards from the 29-year-old woman in December 2011.
The victim was allegedly found at her Cannington home bound with cables and doused with accelerant.
At the time authorities said she had suffered burns to more than 60 per cent of her body.
It was also understood that she had been drugged.
Bintan's attempted murder trial was due to start on Monday, but before a jury had been selected he changed his plea to guilty.
After admitting to the charge, Bintan broke down in the dock, leaning over to the court and saying repeatedly, "I am sorry, I am so sorry".
The Indonesian-born Australian citizen was eventually ordered to sit down by Justice Ralph Simmonds but remained in tears for the rest of the proceedings.
Ms Tao was found bound with cables and doused with accelerant and with a blanket over her head. Firefighters discovered her only after putting out various fires at the house.
Police said Bintan forcibly injected Ms Tao with the sedative Midazolam, which is used to treat insomnia, before robbing her of cash, banks cards and credit cards and stealing her car.
Supporters of Ms Tao, an Australian citizen originally from China, were in court to see the pleas.
Bintan is due to be sentenced in April.
With AAP.
