North London Pensioner Murdered in Cornflakes Robbery Trial Set

John Mackey, an 87-year-old Irishman and lifelong Arsenal fan, died after being attacked and robbed on Goodchild Road in Manor House, north London, on May 6. He was followed from a local Co-op where he had bought food, including cornflakes, a shepherd's pie, and a newspaper, before being assaulted and left unconscious and bleeding from his head. Mackey, described by family as 'funny and charming,' was an uncle to 22 nieces and nephews and had moved to London in the 1950s. He regained consciousness in hospital but died two days later from injuries including bleeding on the brain and fractured ribs. Peter Augustine, 58, has been charged with Mackey's murder and robbery, with a trial set for November 3 and a plea hearing on July 29. Police emphasized that Mackey was an innocent victim and reassured the public that no other suspects are being sought.