Caleb Adams, 34, pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the death of Ashton Jones

Caleb Adams, 34, was charged with murder over the 2020 death of Mornington man Ashton Jones, pictured. What happened when Adams appeared in court on Thursday.

Supreme Court of Tasmania, Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Jupe

A man has pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of manslaughter over the 2020 death of a Mornington man, after an initial murder charge was held up in the court system for years.

Caleb Adams, 34, was charged with murdering Ashton Frederick Jones, 34, on October 12, 2020.

Police found the body of Mr Jones at a property in Carbeen Street, Mornington, after receiving a distress call.

Ashton Jones was found deceased. Picture: Facebook

Police alleged Mr Adams murdered Mr Jones by stabbing him in the neck.

Mr Adams entered a plea of not guilty in the Hobart Magistrates Court and was due to fight the charge in a Supreme Court Trial during 2021.

After a series of adjournments over two years, Mr Adams appeared in the Supreme Court in Hobart on Thursday, where he entered a plea of guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

The plea was not opposed by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Adams, who has been in custody since he was charged, was remanded to appear in court again on May 16.

In October 2020 a family friend told the Mercury that Mr Jones, a father of one, had been “loved by all, a keen cricketer and former football player” who was “working towards a better life”.