Adam Lucas Williamson, 40, appeared via videolink at a brief Supreme Court hearing on Thursday morning where it was established the accused would proceed with an application to change his plea.

Williamson's legal representation, Scott Jones, told the court his client's position had not changed since the question of whether he should face a murder charge under section 3a of the Crimes Act was first raised in December.

"Mr Williamson has been consistent with his instructions. He is not accepting of facts that constitute 3a murder on any basis," he said.

Williamson's legal representation has previously argued the accused should not have to face a 3a murder charge because he was not in the room when Mr Handford was stabbed 13 times, or knew the murder was taking place.

Section 3a involves unintentionally killing during a crime of violence, but it has been argued Williamson left the room before the murder occurred.

The matter has now been set down for a one-day change of plea application hearing before Justice Jane Dixon next month.

At this stage it is not known whether the Crown will oppose the application, however prosecutor Justin Lewis previously told the court in December if Williamson was successful in his application and did contest his guilt, it was likely prosecution would proceed with both a murder charge under section 3a and common law murder.

In determining a date for the hearing, Justice Dixon said she was eager to have the matter progress.

"The family of the deceased are (also) anxious to have the matter finalised," she said.

Williamson's legal representation has until next Friday to hand up written submissions, before the application is heard on March 20.

Williamson and a co-accused originally entered a plea of guilty to one count of murder, aggravated burglary and theft in December.

But Williamson could change his murder plea based on Justice Dixon's ruling.

It is alleged the men kicked open the door of Mr Handford's Bungaree-Barkstead Road home in the early hours of September 14, before he was stabbed with a double-edged knife and his belongings were rummaged through.

The pair took off with Mr Handford's WWII medals, jewellery and $3900 in cash.

Mr Handford's pacemaker showed he spent four hours and 38 minutes lying on the floor until he eventually died. 

A sentencing date has not been set at this stage for the co-accused, who earlier this month made a promise to the court he would give evidence against Williamson.