John Mackey died on Thursday,8 May after being robbed around 5.53pm on Tuesday,6 May in Goodchild Road (Picture: Metropolitan Police)
This is the is the first picture of ‘a perfect gentleman’ and lifelong Arsenal fan who died from injuries he received after police believe he was ambushed and his bag containing cornflakes and a shepherd’s pie stolen.
John Mackey,89,went to Co-op close to his home in and bought both items and a newspaper before heading to a kebab shop.
He was allegedly attacked in Goodchild Road in Manor House after being followed from the shop and was found unconscious and bleeding in the street,a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey was told.
Mr Mackey was taken to hospital,where he regained consciousness,but he died two days later.
Police have now released the first picture of him,and said his family have described him as ‘funny and charming’ in a tribute to him.
Gail Richards told Metro: ‘We are all in shock. John was just a lovely man,a true gent,always smart and smiling,a real dapper man. He always wore a trilby he was a delightful man.’
Another neighbour,named Garfield,said Mr Mackey had been sprightly for his age,adding: ‘John was a lovely guy,he used to pick up any litter he saw and would help neighbours when he could.
‘He was bubbly and smiley,the opposite of a grumpy old man.
‘I saw the police and ambulance come. It was a terrible shock to find out it was for John.’
John Mackey was found bleeding in the street (Picture: James Manning/PA Wire)
The pensioner’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers,who is leading the investigation,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.
‘His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan,County Kilkenny,Ireland and moved to London in the 1950s. He was uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews and a brother to his remaining four siblings,they will all miss him.
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‘John’s family describe him as funny and charming. He was a life-long Arsenal fan,who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community. His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland where he’ll be laid to rest.’
Peter Augustine,58,of Green Lanes,Hornsey,north London,was arrested on May 8 and charged with Mr Mackey’s murder and robbery.
During a hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday,the court heard how an attacker allegedly ran off with the victim’s black duffel bag containing his cornflakes,shepherd’s pie and newspaper.
Peter Augustine appeared at the Old Bailey today (Picture: James Manning/PA Wire)
Prosecutor Ben Holt told the Old Bailey: ‘A member of the public saw Mr Mackey lying on the pavement and heard a male shouting “give me the bag” and a man standing over Mr Mackey.’
A post-mortem examination said Mr Mackey’s provisional cause of death was bleeding on the brain and fractured ribs.
Judge Richard Marks KC set a two-week trial from November 3,with a plea hearing on July 29.
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