Police have named a man accused of robbing and murdering an 87-year-old man in North London. Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, was charged on Friday (May 9) with the murder and robbery of a pensioner named John Mackey in Manor House, near Finsbury Park.
Officers were called to reports of a robbery Goodchild Road just before 6pm on Tuesday (May 6), where they found the elderly man injured. He died in hospital on Thursday (May 8) and his family are aware. Augustine was arrested in Green Lanes, Hornsey, on Thursday. He has been remanded in custody, and will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (May 10).
He has also been charged with robbery and it is alleged he stole a black duffle bag, court staff said.
Neighbour Sandra Murphy, 65, told the PA News Agency he 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.”
‘Horrific incident’
A police cordon was in place until Friday morning (May 9) metres away from the Spring Park playground and the Redmond community centre in Woodberry Down. Local resident Erzsebet Thomas, 60, said it was ‘scary’ to hear about the man’s death. The hotel worker added: “Now I am very afraid of coming home here because of what happened… It’s so awful.”
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, from the Met’s Specialist Crime North Unit and leading the investigation, said: “This is a horrific incident which very sadly resulted in an innocent man dying. His family are being supported by specialist officers.
“At this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. However, this is a fast-paced investigation and I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area or witnessed what happened to please contact the police.”
Assistant Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads local policing in the area, said: “We know many people will be very concerned by what has happened and while we have a man in custody, local patrols have been stepped up. If you have any concerns please do speak to those officers. A man has lost his life in a tragic way and our thoughts remain with his family.”
If you witnessed this incident or have any information, please contact the investigation team on 0208 345 3715 quoting Operation Cedarbirch. If you wish to remain anonymous please contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
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