McLean, 39, of no fixed address, fled the scene of the February 27 assault in Rishi News, South Street, before being apprehended in Liverpool on April 29.
He was caught on CCTV chasing his victim, a 29-year-old local man, into the shop around midday and launching a sustained attack that included stabbing him with a pair of scissors.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV, and McLean was clearly identified as the perpetrator.
His victim was seriously injured and was taken to the hospital.
A manhunt was launched as Sussex Police officers sought to apprehend McLean, with the charity Crimestoppers offering a £3,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
On Friday, April 29, he was arrested in Liverpool with the assistance of Merseyside Police and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was remanded in custody.
McLean pleaded guilty to both charges in Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, May 26.
On Friday, July 15, he will be sentenced in a court to be determined.
“This was a brazen, violent attack carried out in the middle of the day with complete disregard for the general public,” Detective Inspector Neil Phillips said.
“Not only did McLean leave his victim with horrific injuries that could have been tragically worse, but he fled hundreds of miles to avoid facing justice.”
Thanks to the tenacity of our officers, staff, and Merseyside Police partners, we were able to bring him into custody, where the overwhelming evidence forced him to plead guilty to his crimes.
