Kilkenny man (87) attacked for sake of cornflakes and shepherd’s pie, court told

An 87-year-old Kilkenny native was attacked in the street and left for dead for the sake of a box of cornflakes and a shepherd’s pie, a court has heard.

John Mackey had visited a north London Co-op store where he bought food and a newspaper before visiting a kebab shop on the afternoon of Tuesday May 6.

He was allegedly followed in the street and set upon when he reached Goodchild Road in Manor House.

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Emergency services were alerted after he was found unconscious and bleeding from his head at around 5.53pm.

Mr Mackey was taken to hospital where he regained consciousness but died two days later.

Prosecutor Ben Holt said: “A member of the public saw Mr Mackey lying on the pavement and heard a male shouting ‘give me the bag’ and a man standing over Mr Mackey.”

Other eyewitnesses allegedly saw a male being punched, kicked and stamped on, the Old Bailey was told.

The attacker allegedly made off with the victim’s black duffel bag containing his cornflakes, shepherd’s pie and newspaper.

A post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of death as bleeding on the brain and fractured ribs, Mr Holt told the court.

Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8 and charged with Mr Mackey’s murder and robbery.

On Tuesday, his case was brought to the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Richard Marks KC set a two-week trial from November 3, with a plea hearing on July 29.

On Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation into his death, gave details of the “adored” uncle’s life.

He said: “John was a proud Irishman and an innocent member of the public, and was walking back home after running errands when he was the victim of this tragic incident.

“His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and moved to London in the 1950s.

“He was uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews and a brother to his remaining four siblings, they will all miss him.

“John’s family describe him as funny and charming. He was a life-long Arsenal fan, who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community.

“His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland where he’ll be laid to rest.

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“I would like to reassure the local community that a man has been charged and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with John’s death.”

Judge Richard Marks KC set a two-week trial from November 3, with a plea hearing on July 29.

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