Peter Augustine, who kicked pensioner John Mackey to death for cottage pie, sentenced to life
A robber who fatally kicked, punched and stomped a “frail” pensioner before driving off with a box of cereal and a home pie has been jailed for life.
Peter Augustine, 59, must serve at least 23 years behind bars.
The Old Bailey jury had previously found Augustine guilty of robbery and murder.
The court heard he targeted John Mackey, 87, who was visiting a Co-op store in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of May 6.
Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC said Augustine attacked the “kind, innocent” Mr Mackey “over a box of cereal, a pint of milk and a hot dog”.
“If this defendant were truly starving and asked Mr. Mackey for help, I have no doubt that this kind, generous gentleman would have helped him,” he added.
“I have no doubt that the defendant specifically targeted him because he was weak; this was a cowardly act, the defendant has shown no remorse.”
Augustine was also convicted of theft in the magistrates’ court on Friday.
He did not attend his published sentence.
Augustine was detained for 203 days and therefore has 22 years and 162 days remaining in his sentence.
He was sentenced to four weeks in prison for theft and eight years for robbery. All three sentences will be served concurrently.
Mr Mackey’s niece, Patricia Schan, described her “perfect uncle” as “funny, charming, mysterious and downright mischievous” and criticized Augustine’s behavior during the trial.
Ms Schan told the court that Mr Mackey, an Arsenal Football Club supporter, had lived in London for nearly 70 years and “always had a twinkle in his eye and wore one of his fedoras immaculately”.
He said the “proud Irishman” was “a well-known, popular and respected member of society… but is still remembered in his homeland, as evidenced by the number of people who attended his funeral.”
