Violent Attacker Found Guilty of Murdering Defenceless Pensioner
A unemployed man has been convicted of murder after subjecting an 87-year-old pensioner to a brutal attack in north London, ultimately killing him for his groceries, including a cottage pie and box of cereal.
Peter Augustine, aged 59, was found guilty of robbery and murder on Thursday, 13 November 2025, following a trial at the Old Bailey. The court heard how he targeted John Mackey after the elderly man had visited a Co-op store in Manor House on 6 May.
A Fatal Journey Home
Mr Mackey, who was 5ft 5ins tall and weighed less than nine stone, had left his home shortly after 5pm, dressed in a distinctive trilby hat and grey mackintosh coat and carrying a walking stick.
At 5.12pm, he entered the Co-op, where he purchased cornflakes, an own-brand cottage pie, and a Mirror newspaper, placing them in his black bag. He paid with a £20 note and put his £11.50 change into his trouser pocket.
Eighteen minutes later, Augustine began to follow the vulnerable pensioner. Mr Mackey then visited Manor Kebab at 5.36pm to buy sausage and chips while the defendant waited outside.
The Brutal Assault and Its Aftermath
Passers-by witnessed Augustine attacking Mr Mackey and searching his jacket as he lay defenceless on the ground. Another member of the public alerted police after hearing a shout of “give me the bag” and seeing Mr Mackey lying motionless on the pavement.
Although the attack itself was not captured on CCTV, police pieced together the events from other footage. Mr Mackey was last seen on camera at 5.50pm, with Augustine reappearing just three minutes later carrying what appeared to be the victim's bag.
The injured pensioner regained consciousness but was unable to tell officers what had happened. He was treated in hospital for bleeding on the brain and broken ribs but succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC told jurors that Augustine had used "extreme force" against a man who "would have been largely unable to put up any resistance to the attack due to his age and infirmity."
Justice Served as Family Reacts
Following the verdict, the victim's family and loved ones, who were sitting in the public gallery, erupted in cheers and tears. One family member was heard saying, "Justice, right – that’s what we wanted."
A search of Augustine's room later uncovered what remained of Mr Mackey's groceries, including the wrapping from the cottage pie and the sausage and chips.
Augustine, who was described as living in "reduced circumstances" and being effectively homeless at the time, is scheduled to be sentenced on 28 November.
