A man has been jailed after admitting killing 80-year-old Anthony Scarrott from Worthing.
Arno Engels, 40, of no fixed address, appeared at Hove Crown Court on Thursday 30 April for sentencing, after previously pleading guilty to manslaughter at a hearing on 30 January.
He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Detectives launched a murder investigation after Mr Scarrott, who was known as Tony, was found with serious head injuries at his home in Westcourt Road, Worthing, on Thursday 11 September 2025.
He was taken to hospital, but sadly died three days later on Sunday 14 September.
The court heard Engels had been staying at Tony’s flat when he slapped him across the face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head.
Engels was initially arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail while further enquiries were carried out.
When he later discovered Tony had died, police officers found Engels in the street as he was on his way to hand himself in at a police station. He confessed that he had assaulted Tony during an argument.
Engels was then arrested on suspicion of murder.
During further police interviews, he eventually admitted hitting Tony and being responsible for his death.
He was charged with murder and remanded in custody, before later pleading guilty to manslaughter.
Victim Tony Scarrott
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.
“Tony was kind enough to offer Engels a place to stay in his home, but Engels took advantage of his generosity, losing his temper and hitting Tony ultimately causing him fatal injuries.
“Engels has rightfully been given a custodial sentence for the serious consequences of his actions.”
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