Pensioner's Groceries Stolen in Fatal Attack

A violent thief, identified as 59-year-old Peter Augustine, has received a life sentence for the brutal murder of 87-year-old John Mackey. The attack occurred in Manor House, north London, when Augustine demanded Mr. Mackey's groceries after the pensioner left a Co-op store. Augustine, who claimed hunger as his motive, subjected the frail, elderly man to a savage assault, leaving him fatally injured.

The court heard that Mr. Mackey, who had dementia and used a walking stick, was unable to offer significant resistance. Augustine not only took the victim's shopping bag, which contained a few food items and a newspaper, but also rifled through his pockets. He was later found with remnants of the stolen groceries. The judge emphasized the cowardly nature of the attack and the complete lack of remorse shown by the defendant.

Augustine was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years. He also received concurrent sentences for robbery and theft. Members of Mr. Mackey's family were present during the sentencing and paid tribute to him as a kind and generous man, highlighting his close relationships with his many nieces and nephews.