Key Points
- The trial begins today in London for Peter Augustine, accused of murdering 87-year-old Irish pensioner John Mackey last May.
- John Mackey, originally from Callan, County Kilkenny, died after an attack while walking home in north London.
- Mr Mackey was a well-known member of the north London Irish community and a lifelong Arsenal fan.
- The attack occurred as Mr Mackey was returning from his local supermarket and kebab shop.
- Mr Mackey sustained head injuries and died in hospital two days later.
- Peter Augustine, aged 58, pleaded not guilty to murder and robbery charges.
- The defence will not raise psychiatric grounds.
- The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks and is being held at the Old Bailey.
- Mr Mackey was described by family as a real gentleman and is buried in Callan, Ireland.
- The motive for the attack included robbery of Mr Mackey’s belongings, including food items.
- Emergency services were alerted after witnesses reported hearing a male shouting during the assault.
- The prosecution presented evidence of a violent physical attack, including punching, kicking, and stamping.
What Is the Background of the Case?
As reported by RTÉ News, the trial opened in London on November 3, 2025, against Peter Augustine, accused of murdering John Mackey, an 87-year-old Irish pensioner. Mr Mackey, originally from Callan, County Kilkenny, had lived most of his life in north London. The attack happened last May while Mr Mackey was walking home after visiting a local supermarket and kebab shop. He suffered severe head injuries during the assault and died in hospital two days later.
John Mackey was well known in the Irish community in north London and was remembered by his family as a devoted Arsenal football fan and a true gentleman.
Who Was John Mackey and How Did the Attack Happen?
According to The Independent’s reporting by journalist Ben Holt, Mr Mackey had purchased food and a newspaper from a Co-op store before heading to a nearby kebab shop on the afternoon of May 6, 2025. After finishing his errands, he was followed on the street and attacked in Goodchild Road, Manor House, Hackney, north London.
Eyewitnesses recounted seeing a man shouting “give me the bag” and witnessing the victim being punched, kicked, and stamped on. Emergency services responded after the victim was found unconscious with head wounds. The attacker fled with Mr Mackey’s black duffel bag containing supermarket purchases, including cornflakes and shepherd’s pie. Post-mortem results indicated the cause of death was bleeding on the brain and fractured ribs.
Who Is the Accused and What Has Been Said About the Trial?
Peter Augustine, aged 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8 and charged with murder and robbery. Last month, he appeared before the Old Bailey via video link, pleading not guilty to both charges. The court was informed that a psychiatric defence would not be used in this case.
Judge Richard Marks KC set the two-week trial to begin on November 3, with a plea hearing having taken place in July. Last reports said that the trial would be held in Court 15 at the Old Bailey.
What Statements Were Made by the Police and the Family?
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, leading the investigation, told Irish Central that John Mackey was a proud Irishman and innocent victim who had been walking home after running errands when he was attacked. DCI Rogers highlighted Mr Mackey’s large family, noting he was one of 11 children and uncle to 22 nieces and nephews.
He praised Mr Mackey’s character, describing him as funny, charming, and deeply loved by his family and community. The family planned to lay him to rest in Callan, Ireland, his hometown, where he was buried in June. DCI Rogers added there were no other suspects in connection with the death.
What Is the Nature of the Evidence Against Peter Augustine?
The court heard witness accounts of a violent attack involving punch, kick and stamp blows to the pensioner’s head and body. The victim was robbed during this incident. Prosecutor Ben Holt presented the testimony that corroborated the violent nature of the assault and the items stolen from Mr Mackey.
No psychiatric defence will be raised, meaning the trial will focus on the physical and circumstantial evidence as it relates to the charges of murder and robbery.
How Long Is the Trial Expected to Last and What Are Its Prospects?
The Old Bailey trial of Peter Augustine is expected to last roughly two weeks, beginning November 3. It will thoroughly examine the evidence of the attack, the motive, and the circumstances leading to John Mackey’s death.
The trial will put forward all available witness statements, forensic evidence, and legal arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, who have denied the charges.
