A Canberra man has admitted to murdering 27-year-old Frankie Victor Prineas, a couple of months out from when he was meant to stand trial.
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Jayscen Anthony Newby fronted the ACT Supreme Court on Friday; the sides of his head had been shaved and he wore a grey t-shirt.
He appeared emotionless as he stood and pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Prineas on January 11 last year.
Prosecutor Keegan Lee said Newby had entered the plea on the basis he intended to seriously injure Mr Prineas - not kill him - but he ended up murdering him anyway.
The prosecutor said the parties were yet to agree on a finalised statement of facts, which would be referred to at Newby's sentencing.
Little is known about the events that led up to Mr Prineas' murder on January 11, but police have previously said they responded to reports of a disturbance at the Silver Gums townhouse complex in Charnwood about 1.30am that day.
They found Mr Prineas with "significant" stab wounds, and he died a short time later.
Officers said they did an "extensive search" around North Canberra for Newby who, then 26, they suspected of having been involved in Mr Prineas' murder.
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Newby handed himself into Canberra City Police Station on the afternoon of January 11.
He pleaded not guilty to the murder last March, and was committed in July to stand trial.
The trial was set to go ahead in March this year.
Following Mr Prineas' death, his father Victor Prineas described him as "a son that any parent would have been extremely proud of".
He said in a statement: "We have attended the first day in court where we hope, ultimately, Frankie will get the justice he deserves."
Justice John Burns arraigned Newby on Friday and listed the matter to next appear before the Supreme Court registrar on February 4.
He vacated Newby's trial dates and a planned criminal case conference.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
