A violent robber who murdered a vulnerable 87-year-old man for his modest shopping, including a copy of the Daily Mirror, has been sentenced to life imprisonment and may never be released from prison.
A Cowardly Attack and Avoidance of Justice
Peter Augustine, 59, refused to attend his own sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey, claiming a displaced lumbar disc prevented him from travelling the 12 miles from HMP Belmarsh in a prison van. His lawyer requested a video link, alleging Augustine could not sit for extended periods.
Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC dismissed this request and proceeded to sentence him in his absence. She stated: "In view of the defendant's conduct throughout the course of his trial, I am not prepared to disrupt proceedings further by setting up a video link. I have no hesitation in finding that his non-attendance is voluntary."
The Tragic Details of the Crime
The court heard how Augustine targeted John Mackey, 87, after the pensioner had been shopping at a Co-op store in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of May 6. Mr Mackey, who was 5ft 5in tall and weighed less than nine stone, had bought cornflakes, a cottage pie, a pint of milk, and a Daily Mirror.
CCTV evidence showed Augustine following the frail man, who used a walking stick and was dressed in a trilby hat and grey Mackintosh coat. Augustine was seen loitering outside a takeaway where Mr Mackey purchased sausage and chips. The victim was last captured on camera at 5.50pm.
Just three minutes later, Augustine reappeared on footage carrying what appeared to be Mr Mackey's bag. Passers-by reported seeing the attack, with one witness hearing a shout of "give me the bag" and discovering Mr Mackey motionless on the pavement.
A Life Cut Short and a Family's Anguish
Mr Mackey was found bleeding from his head. He regained consciousness but could not recount the attack to police. He was hospitalised with bleeding on the brain and broken ribs, succumbing to his injuries two days later.
Augustine was arrested at a hotel on the day his victim died. While in custody, he showed no remorse, acting violently, making threats, and throwing a hot coffee at a police officer.
John Mackey was a proud Irishman from Callan, Co Kilkenny, who had lived in London for about 70 years. His niece, Patricia Schan, described her "perfect uncle" as a funny, charming, and mischievous man who was a well-known and respected community member. She criticised Augustine's behaviour during the trial, saying his constant turning, shouting, and looking at the family from the witness box was "terrifying".
Mr Mackey's nephew, Adrian Kennedy, expressed relief that Augustine did not attend the sentencing, stating his presence would have been another disruptive and disrespectful act.
The Final Judgment
An Old Bailey jury found Augustine guilty of robbery and murder last month. Judge Whitehouse handed down a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years. With 203 days already spent on remand, he must serve at least 22 years and 162 days before he can be considered for release.
The judge emphasised that Augustine will only be freed if a parole board agrees he no longer poses a danger to the public, starkly adding, "That day may never come." She condemned the murder as a "cowardly act" targeting a frail man and noted the complete absence of remorse from the killer.
