The killer of an 80-year-old man from Brighton and Hove is awaiting sentence in prison after he admitted manslaughter at a hearing at Hove Crown Court.
Arno Engels, 40, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Anthony Scarrott, known as Tony, in a hearing at Hove Crown Court before Judge Christine Henson.
Engels slapped Mr Scarrott across the face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head.
The assault happened five months ago, on Thursday 11 September, at Mr Scarrott’s top floor flat in Westcourt Road, Worthing.
He died three days later, on Sunday 14 September, at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton.
Mr Scarrott, formerly of Holland Road, Hove, worked in bars in Brighton for many years and was a member of the Max Miller Appreciation Society.
He was living in Worthing at the time of his death and was found seriously injured in his flat on the day of the attack, prompting the police to start an operation known as Op Brentford.
Engels, who knew Mr Scarrott, was arrested initially on suspicion of assault. He was released on police bail for further inquiries to be carried out.
But three days later, Mr Scarrott was dead and Engles was then charged with murder.
He entered a not guilty plea to murder before Judge Christine Laing, the honorary recorder of Brighton and Hove, at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 5 December.
On Friday 30 January, at Hove Crown Court, Engels pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Judge Henson remanded Engels in custody to appear for sentence on Wednesday 25 March.
Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This has been a tragic and distressing case particularly for Tony’s family and friends and our thoughts remain with them.
“We now await the sentencing of Engels following his guilty plea to manslaughter.”
Many people have paid tribute to Mr Scarrott, including his sister Sandy who said: “My brother Tony was loved by so many family members and friends.
“I just want to say, ‘Tony, sleep tight and remember the show must go on.’”
The Ship Inn, in Southwick Street, Southwick, closed for his funeral at Woodvale Crematorium, in Brighton, on Wednesday 28 January and reopened mid-afternoon for his wake.
The pub said on its Facebook page: “He was an amazing man, full of fun, with an engaging personality that is sorely missed. He brought laughter, conversation and poured innumerable pints throughout his long life.”
Mr Scarrott was known affectionately as Doris – and an earlier post on the Ship’s Facebook page said: “Rest in peace Doris. You truly were one of a kind.”
An inquest into his death was opened by Coroner Joanne Andrews at Woodvale, in Brighton, on Thursday 23 October and adjourned to a date and place to be set.
