Peter Gavin Forster-Jones, 23, had originally pleaded guilty to manslaughter but had maintained he had not murdered Mr Waugh because he had not intended to kill him.

However, after negotiations between the parties Forster-Jones entered his guilty plea.

Mr Waugh was murdered after Forster-Jones and his co-accused, 23-year-old Jason Pikula-Carroll, attended Mr Waugh's Watson unit in November 2016 and Forster-Jones shot him through his front door.

Mr Waugh was due to be a witness in court against the two men after they allegedly violently invaded his home six weeks before his death. Forster-Jones also pleaded guilty to the home invasion.

Mr Pikula-Carroll is in custody and charged with murder but will face court at a later date.

The court heard Mr Pikula-Carroll feared going to jail over the home invasion and Forster-Jones had gone to Mr Waugh's house to silence him and spare his friend from prison.

After shooting Mr Waugh, Forster-Jones stepped over his dying body and robbed the home of drugs and cash.

Forster-Jones' plea meant the trial was abandoned and the jury was discharged. It meant Mr Waugh's partner at the time of his death, who was present on the night of his murder, avoided having to give evidence.

Speaking outside court, Eden Waugh's parents Elaine and David Waugh said they were grateful to the police and prosecutors.

"It doesn't bring Eden back, but we're just grateful," Mrs Waugh said.

"He was such a lovely, gentle, kind person and we're grateful for everything."

David Waugh added that since his son was a child he had always been very giving and would give to others even when he had nothing himself.

He acknowledged there was more to come in terms of court proceedings but said Wednesday's decision was pleasing.

When they heard the guilty plea his parents held each other and began crying, while surrounded by supporters.

Justice Michael Elkaim ordered a pre-sentence report and Forster-Jones is due back in court for sentencing in August.