A man admitted killing barman Colin Stewart when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court.
James Venn, 23, of Highfield Drive, Hurstpierpoint, pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter.
Judge Anthony Scott-Gall told Venn he faced a prison sentence.
The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports to be prepared and Venn was remanded in custody until October 3.
Mr Stewart, 32, of Hanbury Lane, Haywards Heath, died in hospital on June 25.
His death came four days after he was found slumped unconscious in the doorway of his home at 2am on June 21.
He had been involved in an incident just after midnight that night at the Esso petrol station, in Franklynn Road, Haywards Heath.
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