The court heard Mr Christianos was a graphic designer who sold portraits of champion footballer Gary Ablett and cricket legend Don Bradman in White's memorabilia shop at Malvern East.
The court heard the men went to a pub in Caulfield together on the night of Mr Christianos's death and returned to White's business to continue drinking. After pleading guilty, White applied for bail on the basis he had lived a law-abiding life since killing Mr Christianos, was not at risk of fleeing, and had personal and medical issues he needed to sort out before spending a lengthy time in custody.