A shocking and tragic case has emerged in north London, where 87-year-old pensioner John Mackey was fatally beaten by an alleged robber who stole his shopping bag containing a cottage pie, cornflakes, and a newspaper, a court at the Old Bailey has heard.
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According to prosecutors, Peter Augustine, 59, who was unemployed and living in “reduced circumstances,” allegedly kicked, punched, and stamped on the frail victim before stealing his groceries.
A Random, Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight
On May 6, Mr. Mackey had visited a Co-op store in Manor House, north London, around 5:12 p.m. CCTV footage shows him purchasing a box of cornflakes, a Co-op cottage pie, and the Mirror newspaper, paying with a £20 note and pocketing his change.
Moments later, Augustine was seen following him as he left the store and visited Manor Kebab, where he bought sausage and chips. By 5:50 p.m., Mr. Mackey was last captured on camera. Three minutes later, Augustine reappeared, allegedly carrying what looked like the victim’s bag.
Witnesses and Police Reconstruction
Witnesses reported hearing a man shout “Give me the bag!” and saw Mr. Mackey lying motionless on the pavement. Passers-by described Augustine attacking the pensioner and searching his jacket pockets before fleeing the scene.
When police arrived, the elderly victim was found bleeding from the head and struggling to stay conscious. Despite being taken to the hospital, where he was treated for bleeding on the brain and broken ribs, he died two days later.
Evidence Found and Police Statements
During a later search of Augustine’s residence, police reportedly found remnants of Mr. Mackey’s groceries, including the cottage pie packaging and cornflakes box.
In a police interview, Augustine denied any wrongdoing, claiming he merely found the bag on the ground after seeing the man “already on the floor.” He told officers:
“The wind must have blew it on the side, so I picked it up and looked inside.”
Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC told jurors that Mr. Mackey, who was 5ft 5in tall and weighed less than nine stone, had no chance to defend himself against the much younger assailant.
She said:
“When the defendant kicked and punched an elderly, vulnerable and largely defenceless man, the Crown says he intended to cause him really serious harm.”
Augustine has denied robbery and murder, and the Old Bailey trial continues.
⚖️ Public Reaction and Broader Concern
The disturbing details of the London pensioner murder have reignited public outrage over violence against the elderly, especially vulnerable individuals living alone. Social services and community groups are calling for stronger protections and outreach programs for at-risk seniors in the capital.
