A man from Namibia has admitted striking his elderly landlord, causing fatal injuries following a disagreement about a takeaway meal.

Arno Engels acknowledged delivering a single blow to Tony Scarrott after returning home under the influence of alcohol.

Engels, aged 40, was half the age of the 80-year-old victim and had been lodging in Mr Scarrott’s residence in Worthing.

He informed officers that the well-regarded Mr Scarrott collapsed and struck his head on September 11 the previous year.

The victim passed away three days subsequent to being hospitalized, after relatives consented to discontinue life support measures.

Engels stated he considered himself responsible for the incident.

Engels, who established a substance recovery programme in Namibia, altered his account and entered a guilty plea.

He explained to officers the dispute concerned who would be receiving the chip shop supper. Engels reported delivering the slap that rendered Mr Scarrott unconscious.

Tony sustained a severe laceration to his head along with a fractured neck. His relatives authorized the removal of life support following three days of intensive care treatment.

Lewes Crown Court, convening in Hove, was informed the pair maintained a turbulent, non-romantic association marked by regular disputes.

Engels disclosed both men struggled with alcoholism and cocaine consumption. Mr Scarrott confronted Engels about misappropriating his funds.

During one altercation, residents reported hearing Engels exclaim that he would strike Mr Scarrott were it not for his advanced years.

Engels displayed no visible response upon receiving a sentence of two years and four months after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Her Honour Judge Christine Henson KC stated Engels had exploited Mr Scarrott’s goodwill and open-handedness.

He struck his elderly landlord driven by irritation and a failure to manage his temper.

The judge noted that arriving in the United Kingdom approximately 18 months prior to Mr Scarrott’s passing, Engels commenced renting accommodation from him following an incidental introduction.

The association was periodically heated, sustained by the pair’s shared consumption of alcohol and Class A narcotics.

The judge observed Mr Scarrott experienced fear regarding Engels.

It is anticipated Engels will face removal from the country after completing a minimum of half his incarceration period.

Tony’s sibling Sandra Scarrott expressed profound sorrow at her brother’s absence.

In a victim personal statement presented to the court, she commented that losing someone cherished is never straightforward, yet occurring in such circumstances is devastating.

Tony was neither elderly nor frail. Upon his 80th birthday he participated in jet skiing and abseiling in Spain.

He was not a typical octogenarian. He embraced existence and would have continued for numerous additional years.

He devoted himself to companions and theatrical performance. She worried this generous and affectionate character rendered him susceptible.

This provoked her anger. He did not warrant having his generosity taken advantage of.

She misses her brother and feels desolate comprehending his absence, experiencing deep sorrow that his existence concluded in such a manner.

Tony held membership in the Max Miller Appreciation Society and frequently hosted celebrity acquaintances including June Brown, portraying Dot Cotton in EastEnders.

John Cammegh KC representing the Crown explained Engels was approaching his 40th birthday when encountering Tony Scarrott in September 2024.

Tony Scarrott was recognised as a cheerful, sociable and magnanimous individual.

Two months prior to his passing, Tony required admission to hospital overnight after sustaining a hand injury.

He disclosed to companions that Engels had trapped his hand in a door during a confrontation.

Friends characterised Engels as domineering and possessive.

Engels depicted their association as mutually antagonistic.

Both were alcohol-dependent, unpleasant companions while drinking, he disclosed to officers.

Residents reported hearing sounds reminiscent of furnishings being repositioned following Tony’s return to the flat on September 11.

Engels had assisted him up the staircase. He dialled 999 just before 8pm. Engels informed the emergency operator that his landlord was 80 years of age and had fallen, striking his head on the table’s edge, remaining conscious but of uncertain duration.

He alleged Tony had thrown a glass at him.

During the same conversation he stated that he had requested Tony to leave him alone without success.

Tony was losing significant blood from a substantial head wound, the court was informed. Paramedics identified cardiac arrest and requested police attendance.

Engels was taken into custody on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and granted conditional release.

A coffee table within the flat bore bloodstains.

Following confirmation of Tony’s death, Engels consumed alcohol to excess and proceeded to a railway station where witnesses reported unusual behaviour.

Police were summoned and he informed them that he needed to attend the police station, that he had claimed to have pushed Tony over when in reality it was a slap, that Tony had been an excellent companion and he wished to be truthful, having provided his account but actually delivering a slap that rendered him unconscious, that he had not intended harm but Tony had encroached on his space.

Engels was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and questioned.

He clarified to officers the disagreement concerned who would receive the fish and chips.

He stood and delivered a slap, losing composure. He denied striking Mr Scarrott on the crown or with a clenched fist, only slapping him.

He collapsed and struck his head, Engels disclosed to officers.

Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, attached to the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, commented that this had been a sorrowful and distressing matter particularly for Tony’s family and associates, with sympathies still extended to them.

Engels maintains recognition for his efforts in rehabilitation and recovery services at Usakos in Namibia.

His relatives indicated he relocated to the UK on a three-year employment visa to join a recovery service in Brighton.

The family depicted him as a compassionate and dedicated individual who has positively influenced numerous lives.