Man jailed for life for robbery and murder of 87-year-old man in north London
Peter Augustine attacked John Mackey in Manor House in May this year.
Last updated 28th Nov 2025
A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of an elderly man in North London after robbing him of his shopping.
Peter Augustine has been will serve a minimum term of 23 year behind bars after he fatally attacked 87-year-old John Mackey in Manor House on the afternoon of the 6th of May.
Throughout the trial, the Old Bailey heard how the defendant had targeted the victim after he visited a supermarket and a kebab shop.
After kicking, punching and stamping on the victim, Peter Augustine then stole the food items bought by John Mackey, including a cottage pie and a box of corn flakes.
The defendant was found guilty of murder and robbery by a jury on the 13th of November.
Following the conviction, Acting Detective Chief Inspector John Marriott who led the investigation, 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.”
“Augustine’s conviction is a testament to the officers who worked incredibly hard to build the evidence against him, which proved his part in John’s death.”
John’s family paid tribute to him saying “On behalf of our Aunt’s Betty & Ellen and Uncle’s Tommy and Liam and the extended Mackey family, we would like to thank our legal team lead by Jane Bickerstaff KC, who showed such bravery and strength when faced with such vitriol during her questioning of the defendant.
“The Met Murder Investigation Team lead by Detective Sergeant Glenn Peach, with special mention to DC Gemma Bristow for her forensic work on the CCTV and our Family Liaison Officer DC Tufail Miah - for their immediate response and quick identification and arrest of the suspect.
“Judge Sarah Whitehouse for her wisdom and direction and the jury for their correct decision during a very challenging trial.
“The level of professionalism, kindness, empathy and support given to us as a family from our first contact - first police officer on the scene PC Hoyte to today’s conclusion has been above and beyond.
“Throughout this harrowing experience of the investigation and trial we have felt included and listened to and most importantly from day one a real commitment to getting justice for Uncle John.
“He was the perfect uncle - funny, charming, mysterious and very definitely mischievous - never seen without his trilby hat and always immaculately dressed.
“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 & 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.