Man pleads guilty to manslaughter of 80-year-old in Worthing
Detectives launched a murder investigation after the victim was found with serious injuries at an address in September 2025
A man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 80-year-old Anthony Scarrott from Worthing.
Arno Engels, 40, of no fixed address, appeared at a plea hearing at Hove Crown Court on 30 January 2026. He had been charged with murder but admitted to manslaughter.
Detectives launched a murder investigation after the victim, known as Tony, was found with serious injuries at an address in Westcourt Road, Worthing, on Thursday 11 September 2025.
He was taken to hospital but later sadly died there on Sunday 14 September 2025.
Police say it was established that Engles, who knew Tony, had 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 pending further enquiries. He was later arrested on suspicion of murder and charged.
Engels was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 25 March 2026 at Hove Crown Court.
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."