Killer of frail OAP jailed for 23 years as he shirks court

A ROBBER who fatally kicked, punched and stamped on a pensioner before making off with a box of cornflakes and a cottage pie has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years.

- BY POL ALLINGHAM

John Mackey, 87, was targeted by jobless Peter Augustine after he visited a Coop in Manor House, North London, on May 6.

The frail victim, who was 5ft 5in and weighed less than nine stone, was treated for bleeding on the brain and broken ribs, but died from his injuries two days later.

Earlier this month a jury found Augustine, 59, guilty of robbery and murder. The killer, who was disruptive during his trial, did not attend his sen tencing at the Old Bailey yesterday, claiming he had back pain.