John was murdered for cornflakes & a pie

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

- BY MATHILDE GRANDJEAN

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

A jury sitting at the Old Bailey returned their verdict yesterday, convicting Augustine of robbery and murder.

The victim's family and loved ones, sitting in the public gallery, erupted in cheers and cried after hearing the verdict.

One of them was heard saying: “Justice, right - that's what we wanted:

Passersby saw Augustine, 59, attacking Mr Mackey - who was originally from Callan, Co Kilkenny, and moved to London as young man ~ and searching his jacket as he lay on the ground, the Old Bailey was previously told.

BLEEDING

Another 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.