Brock Wall pleaded guilty to the murder of Brazilian national Fabiana Palhares, 34, in a domestic violence incident at Varsity Lakes in February 2015.

He also pleaded guilty to unlawful assault of a pregnant woman, a charge which came two days after he was accused of her murder when police discovered Ms Palhares was 10 weeks’ pregnant.

“I’m sorry,” Wall said quietly in Brisbane Supreme Court after pleading on Thursday.

Ms Palhares’ death from head injuries sparked an outpouring of grief among Brazilian expatriates on the Gold Coast.

Friends of Ms Palhares, who had been living on the Gold Coast for several years, described her as a community leader who used her cleaning business to find employment for local Brazilian expats.

Her brother will travel from Brazil to attend Wall’s sentencing on August 6, to be handed down by Justice Ann Lyons.

Walls’ trial was set to start on Monday, with prosecutors tendering 153 witness statements and an autopsy report in the brief of evidence.

• If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency always call 000.