Robber convicted of pensioner's murder
John Mackey was targeted after going shopping
A robber who attacked a vulnerable pensioner in north London before stealing his shopping has been found guilty of murder
The court heard 87 year old John Mackey was targeted by Peter Augustine after he visited a Co-op store in Manor House in May
As the jury returned the guilty verdict there were cheers from the public gallery
Acting Detective Chief Inspector John Marriott who led the investigation, said: “I hope that Augustine’s conviction is a small reprieve for the family of John.
“It is a shameful tragedy that John was killed by Augustine, for a mere few bits of shopping. He deserved better.”
“Augustine’s conviction is a testament to the officers who worked incredibly hard to build the evidence against him, which proved his part in John’s death.”
Augustine was arrested two days after the assault, following CCTV enquiries showing him watching John leaving a local shop then buying dinner at a kebab shop. Augustine then assaulted him before stealing his bag, containing a newspaper, corn flakes, cottage pie and his dinner of sausage and chips.
Following the conviction, John’s family paid tribute to him saying:
“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.
“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."
59 year old Augustine will be sentenced on 28th November
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