A callous thug has been handed a life sentence for murdering an 87-year-old pensioner during a robbery for his shopping bag, which contained his dinner of sausage and chips.
Peter Augustine, 58, was found guilty of murder and robbery following a two-week trial at court. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years.
A Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight
The court heard how Augustine targeted John Mackey in the Manor House area of London. The attack occurred on Tuesday, May 6, at around 5.53pm on Goodrich Road.
CCTV evidence presented during the trial showed Augustine watching Mr Mackey as he left a shop and purchased his dinner from a kebab shop. Augustine then assaulted the elderly man in a brutal, broad-daylight attack, before fleeing with his shopping bag.
The bag contained what detectives described as 'a mere few items', including a newspaper, corn flakes, cottage pie, and his takeaway dinner.
Mr Mackey, a lifelong Arsenal fan, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital. He tragically died two days later, on Thursday, May 8.
A Shameful Tragedy and a Family's Tribute
Detective Sergeant Glenn Peach, from the Metropolitan Police's specialist crime unit, led the investigation. He stated: "It is a shameful tragedy he was killed by Augustine, for a mere few items of shopping. He deserved better."
Following the sentencing, Mr Mackey's family paid a moving tribute to their beloved uncle, describing him as the 'perfect uncle - funny, charming, mysterious and very definitely mischievous'.
They remembered a proud Irishman who was a loved and popular member of the Finsbury Park community for over 65 years, always seen in his trilby hat and immaculately dressed.
"He was an ally and friend to his 22 nieces and nephews," the family said. "He would never fail to slip a fiver to you whispering don't tell your mum and dad."
Justice Served After Challenging Investigation
The investigation led to Augustine's arrest at a nearby hotel. While in police custody, he showed no remorse for his actions, making threats, acting violently, and throwing a hot coffee at a police officer.
He denied the charges, telling officers in an interview, "I ain't killed nobody mate." However, detectives saw through his lies and built a strong case against him.
DS Peach praised his team's work, stating that Augustine’s conviction was a "testament to the officers who worked incredibly hard to build the evidence against him."
The family also expressed their gratitude to the legal team and the Metropolitan Police's Murder Investigation Team, specifically mentioning Detective Constable Gemma Bristow for her forensic work on the CCTV and Family Liaison Officer Det Con Tufail Miah.
They said the commitment to getting justice for their Uncle John was felt "from day one".
