Peter Augustine has been jailed for 23 years for murdering John Mackey
An 87-year-old man died in hospital after being attacked and robbed of a “box of cornflakes” and “cottage pie”. Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey was found guilty of John’s murder. He has since been jailed for 23 years.
Augustine was seen on CCTV assaulting Mr Mackey as he left a local shop on Goodchild Road, Manor House, at around 5.53pm on Tuesday, May 6. He then stole Mr Mackey’s bag which contained a newspaper, corn flakes, cottage pie and his dinner of sausage and chips. Mr Mackey sadly died in hospital two days later.
John’s family said: “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 & 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.”
Augustine was also arrested in connection with the incident on Thursday, May 8, telling officers: “I ain’t killed anybody mate.” He was charged him with murder and robbery on Friday, May 9.
His family added: “On behalf of our Aunt’s Betty & Ellen and Uncle’s Tommy and Liam and the extended Mackey family, we would like to thank our legal team lead by Jane Bickerstaff KC, who showed such bravery and strength when faced with such vitriol during her questioning of the defendant.
“The Met Murder Investigation Team lead by Detective Sergeant Glenn Peach, with special mention to DC Gemma Bristow for her forensic work on the CCTV and our Family Liaison Officer DC Tufail Miah – for their immediate response and quick identification and arrest of the suspect.
“Judge Sarah Whitehouse for her wisdom and direction and the jury for their correct decision during a very challenging trial.
“The level of professionalism, kindness, empathy and support given to us as a family from our first contact – first police officer on the scene PC Hoyte to today’s conclusion has been above and beyond.
“Throughout this harrowing experience of the investigation and trial we have felt included and listened to and most importantly from day one a real commitment to getting justice for Uncle John.”
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