Man sentenced following the murder of an 87-year-old man

A man has been sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years following the death of John Mackey, after robbing him for his shopping in Manor House earlier this year.

John was assaulted and robbed on Goodchild Road at around 17:53hrs on Tuesday, 6 May. He sadly died in hospital on Thursday, 8 May.

On Thursday, 13 November, Peter Augustine, 58 (25.10.1966), of Green Lanes, Hornsey was found guilty of John’s murder.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Peach from the Met's Specialist Crime Unit who led the investigation, said:

“I hope that Augustine’s sentencing today is a small reprieve for John’s family. He will be remembered as a proud Irishman, an uncle and brother who will be sorely missed.

“His family have told me that John was funny and charming, a life-long Arsenal fan, who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community.

“It is a shameful tragedy that he was killed by Augustine, for a mere few items of shopping. He deserved better.

“Augustine’s conviction is a testament to the officers who worked incredibly hard to build the evidence against him.

“We are dedicated to tackling violent offenders who carry out horrific acts of violence, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these acts are bought to justice.

“I would like send my thoughts to John’s family, justice has been served and they can now remember John for the loving man that he was.”

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.

The CCTV showed Augustine travelling to a nearby hotel where he was arrested. While in custody, Augustine showed no remorse for his actions, by making a series of threats, acting violently and throwing a hot coffee at an officer.

In his interview, he stated “I ain’t killed nobody mate.” However, detectives saw past his lies and charged him with murder and robbery on Friday, 9 May.

Following a two- week trial, which began on Monday, 3 November, he was found guilty of murder and robbery.

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."