Man guilty of murder and robbery of 87-year-old

John Mackey died in hospital two days after being attacked

A robber who fatally kicked, punched and stamped on a vulnerable pensioner before taking off with a box of cornflakes and a cottage pie has been found guilty of murder.

John Mackey, 87, was targeted by unemployed Peter Augustine after he visited a Co-op store in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of 6 May.

Passers-by saw Augustine, 59, attacking Mr Mackey and searching his jacket as he lay on the ground, the Old Bailey heard.

Sitting in the public gallery, the victim's family and loved ones erupted in cheers and cried after hearing the verdict. One of them was heard saying: "Justice, right - that's what we wanted."

Augustine will be sentenced on 28 November.

'Deserved better'

A member of the public alerted police after she heard a shout of "give me the bag" and saw Mr Mackey lying inert on the pavement, the trial heard.

Mr Mackey, who was bleeding from his head, 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 died from his injuries two days later.

Peter Augustine will be sentenced on 28 November

Acting Det Ch Insp John Marriott said: "I hope that Augustine's conviction is a small reprieve for the family of John.

"It is a shameful tragedy that John was killed by Augustine, for a mere few bits of shopping. He deserved better."

The jury heard how on the day of the attack Mr Mackey went into the Co-op where he bought cornflakes, a cottage pie and a newspaper.

Augustine started following him, loitering outside Manor Kebab where Mr Mackey then bought sausage and chips.

A later search of the defendant's room uncovered what was left of Mr Mackey's groceries and wrapping from the cottage pie and sausage and chips.

Jane Bickerstaff KC previously told jurors that Mr Mackey was 5ft 5ins tall and weighed less than nine stone.

The prosecutor said: "He would have been largely unable to put up any resistance to the attack due to his age and infirmity."

Ms Bickerstaff told jurors that Augustine, who was effectively homeless at the time of the attack, had used "extreme force" on Mr Mackey.

"When the defendant kicked and punched an elderly, vulnerable and largely defenceless man, who was prone on the floor, the Crown says that he intended to cause him really serious harm," Ms Bickerstaff said.

'Proud Irishman'

In a statement, the victim's family paid tribute to "the perfect uncle".

"He was funny, charming, mysterious and very definitely mischievous - never seen without his trilby hat and always immaculately dressed," they wrote.

"He was an ally and friend to his 22 nieces and nephews - taking us to see his beloved Arsenal and introducing some of us to pubs around Manor House. He would never fail to slip a fiver to you, whispering 'don't tell your mum and dad'.

"He was never happier than when he was with his 10 brothers and sisters - telling stories with lots of laughter always.

"Always a proud Irishman, he lived happily around Finsbury Park for over 65 years - a loved and popular member of his community. He will always be remembered with love and a smile."