A man was attacked in the street and left for dead when his bag containing a box of cornflakes and shepherd’s pie was stolen, a court has heard.
John Mackey, 89, went to a Co-op in north London last Tuesday (May 6) and bought both items and a newspaper before heading to a kebab shop.
He was attacked in Goodchild Road in Manor House after being followed from the shop and was found unconscious and bleeding in the street.
Mr Mackey was taken to hospital, where he regained consciousness, but he died two days later.
Neighbours paid tribute to Mr Mackey, who was described as a ‘lovely man’ and ‘a true gent’.
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 had his trademark trilby on and was just the best neighbour.’
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.’
Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, was arrested last week and charged with Mr Mackey’s murder and robbery.
Prosecutor Ben Holt told the Old Bailey today: ‘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.’
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Other eyewitnesses allegedly saw a male being punched, kicked and stamped on.
The attacker allegedly ran off with the victim’s black duffel bag containing his cornflakes, shepherd’s pie and newspaper.
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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