An Australian man pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of a gay American in 1988

Steve Johnson, right, and his wife Rosemarie arrive at the Supreme Court in Sydney, Australia, on May 2, 2022, for a sentencing hearing in the murder of Scott Johnson, Steve's brother. (Rick Rycroft/AP)

CANBERRA, Australia — An Australian pleaded guilty on Thursday to the manslaughter of an American who fell to his death 35 years ago from a Sydney clifftop that was known as a gay meeting place, with the victim's family welcoming the latest twist in their long campaign for justice.

Scott White's admission in the New South Wales state Supreme Court comes three months after he had his conviction for murdering Scott Johnson overturned by an appeals court.