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An 87-year-old man who died in an alleged attack in the street ‘for his cornflakes and shepherd's pie’, has been pictured for the first time.
John Mackey was followed along the street and set upon when he reached Goodchild Road in Manor House, north London, a court previously heard.
On the day he was attacked, he made a trip to the Co-op to buy food and a newspaper before visiting a kebab shop, on Tuesday May 6.
Peter Augustine, 58, whose address is the Beaconsfield pub on Green Lanes, in north London, has been charged with robbery and Mr Mackey’s murder.
Paying tribute today, John’s family described him as “funny,” “charming” and a “life-long Arsenal fan” who was “adored by his family and loved by his local community”.
They continue to be supported by specialist officers.
Born in Callan, County Kilkenny, John moved to London in the 1950s. He was one of 11 children and uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers 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.”
They added: “His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland where he’ll be laid to rest.
“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.”
John found lying unconscious in the street and bleeding from his head at around 5.53pm on the day of the alleged attack.
He was taken to hospital where he regained consciousness, but died two days later.
Augustine is accused of stealing the victim’s black duffel bag containing a box of cornflakes, a shepherd’s pie and a newspaper.
He was remanded in custody until a plea hearing on July 29. A two-week trial has been set for November 3.
