Smith was on Monday expected to face the first day of a murder trial in Newcastle Supreme Court but was arraigned and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter after negotiations between his barrister, Public Defender Peter Krisenthal, and Crown prosecutor Brendan Queenan.

Smith, who remains behind bars since his arrest, will face a sentence hearing on Thursday.

Smith ran down Mr Sams with a four-wheel-drive in the backyard of a home in Edith Street, Cessnock about 11pm on September 25, 2018.

Police said Smith drove a Nissan Patrol 4WD into the backyard and pinned Mr Sams between the car and a shed, causing fatal injuries.

Mr Sams was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Police established Strike Force Lirki to investigate Mr Sams's death and, after an extensive investigation, arrested Smith in Cessnock in June 2020.

Police have said the pair were known to each other.

More to come.

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