A man has been sentenced to life in prison after punching an 87-year-old pensioner to death during a robbery over a bag containing a cottage pie and cornflakes.
A Fatal Attack
Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, was seen on CCTV assaulting John Mackey as the elderly man left a local shop on Goodchild Road in Manor House. The violent incident occurred at around 5.53pm on Tuesday, May 6.
Augustine stole Mr Mackey's bag, which contained his evening newspaper, a box of cornflakes, a cottage pie, and his dinner of sausage and chips. The attack was so severe that Mr Mackey died in hospital two days later on Thursday, May 8.
A Beloved Uncle and Community Pillar
In a moving tribute, John Mackey's family described him as the "perfect uncle - funny, charming, mysterious and very definitely mischievous." He was a familiar and beloved figure in his community, never seen without his trilby hat and always immaculately dressed.
A proud Irishman, he had lived happily around Finsbury Park for over 65 years. His family fondly recalled how he was an ally and friend to his 22 nieces and nephews, taking them to see his beloved Arsenal and introducing them to local pubs.
"He would never fail to slip a fiver to you whispering don’t tell your Mum & Dad," they shared. "He was never happier than when he was with his 10 brothers and sisters - telling stories with lots of laughter always."
Justice Served
Augustine was arrested in connection with the incident on Thursday, May 8, telling officers at the time, "I ain't killed anybody mate." He was subsequently charged with murder and robbery on Friday, May 9.
Following a trial at which he was found guilty, Augustine was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years.
The Mackey family expressed their profound gratitude to the legal team and the Metropolitan Police's Murder Investigation Team, led by Detective Sergeant Glenn Peach. They gave special mention to DC Gemma Bristow for her forensic work on the CCTV and to their Family Liaison Officer, DC Tufail Miah, for the "immediate response and quick identification and arrest of the suspect."
They also thanked Judge Sarah Whitehouse for her "wisdom and direction" and the jury for their "correct decision during a very challenging trial." The family stated that the professionalism, kindness, and empathy shown to them from the first officer on the scene, PC Hoyte, to the conclusion of the case had been "above and beyond," making them feel included and listened to throughout the harrowing experience.
