Robber who kicked and punched pensioner for cottage pie jailed for his murder

A robber who kicked and punched a pensioner before taking off with a box of cornflakes and a cottage pie has been jailed for life for his murder.

John Mackey, 87, was targeted by Peter Augustine after he visited a Co-op store in Manor House, north London, on 6 May.

Augustine, 59, was convicted by jurors of murder and robbery following a trial at the Old Bailey earlier this month – and has been today sentenced to serve a minimum term of 23 years in prison.

Passers-by saw Augustine attacking Mr Mackey and searching his jacket as he lay on the ground, the court heard.

A member of the public alerted police after she heard a shout of “give me the bag” and saw Mr Mackey lying motionless on the pavement.

Mr Mackey, who was bleeding from his head, regained consciousness but was unable to tell officers what had happened.

He was treated in hospital for bleeding on the brain and broken ribs, but died from his injuries two days later.

Augustine was arrested two days after the attack, after CCTV viewed by the Metropolitan Police showed him watching Mr Mackey buying food at a kebab shop.

After attacking Mr Mackey, Augustine took his bag which contained a newspaper, cornflakes, cottage pie and his dinner of sausage and chips.

While in custody after his arrest, Augustine showed no remorse – making a series of threats, acting violently and throwing hot coffee at an officer, police said.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector John Marriott, who led the investigation, said: “It is a shameful tragedy that John was killed by Augustine, for a mere few bits of shopping. He deserved better.”

Following the conviction, Mr Mackey’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “He was the perfect uncle – funny, charming, mysterious and very definitely mischievous – never seen without his trilby hat and always immaculately dressed.

“He was an ally and friend to his 22 nieces and nephews – taking us to see his beloved Arsenal and introducing some of us to pubs around Manor House. He would never fail to slip a fiver to you whispering, ‘Don’t tell your mum and dad’.

“He was never happier than when he was with his 10 brothers and sisters – telling stories with lots of laughter always.

“Always a proud Irishman, he lived happily around Finsbury Park for over 65 years – a loved and popular member of his community. He will always be remembered with love and a smile.”

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