The ‘funny, charming’ 87-year-old man who was killed after being robbed in Manor House has been pictured. John Mackey had visited a north London Co-op store where he bought food and a newspaper before visiting a kebab shop on the afternoon of Tuesday May 6.
He was allegedly followed in the street and set upon when he reached Goodchild Road in Manor House. was taken to hospital where he regained consciousness but died two days later. John was Irish but moved London in the 1950s. He had 10 siblings and was uncle to 22 nieces and nephews. His family have described him as “funny and charming” and a life-long Arsenal fan.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: “John was a proud Irishman and an innocent member of the public, and was walking back home after running errands when he was the victim of this tragic incident. His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland and moved to London in the 1950s. He was uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews and a brother to his remaining four siblings, they will all miss him.
“John’s family describe him as funny and charming. He was a life-long Arsenal fan, who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community. His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland where he’ll be laid to rest.
“I would like to reassure the local community that a man has been charged and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with John’s death.”
The attacker allegedly made off with the victim’s black duffel bag containing his cornflakes, shepherd’s pie and newspaper. Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8 and charged with Mr Mackey’s murder and robbery. On Tuesday, his case was brought to the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing.
Judge Richard Marks KC set a two-week trial from November 3, with a plea hearing on July 29.
Neighbour Sandra Murphy, 65, told the PA News Agency that John was a ‘beautiful, kind man’, adding: “He was a lovely old Irishman who would do anything for anyone… He was an engineer and he was busy every day, and went out every day – he used to do gardening with his brother.”
Ms Murphy said she planned to lay flowers in memory of John. “He was very particular about his appearance, every day he had a trilby hat and a suit on,” she continued, “People said they thought he was targeted because he had a briefcase. I said ‘he never had a briefcase’. He had a little holdall which he had his anorak and his umbrella in.”
Paying tribute to her neighbour, Ms Murphy said: “Even today, I texted one of his old neighbours. She said when they were around the corner in the old flats he used to do her garden for her and everything. He was so loved around here. No-one would have a bad word to say about John.”
Anyone with information for the investigation team can contact them on 0208 345 3715 quoting 6012/06MAY. If you wish to remain anonymous please contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
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