"Proud Irishman" murdered in London to be laid to rest in native Co Kilkenny

John Mackey, a native of Co Kilkenny, died in hospital on Thursday, May 8 after being robbed in the Manor House area of Hackney in London.

Mackey was allegedly robbed in Goodchild Road around 6 pm on Tuesday, May 6, Metropolitan Police in London announced yesterday, Wednesday, May 14.

Mackey's family is being supported by specialist officers, the police force noted.

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.

“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."

DCI Rogers added: “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.”

In Ireland, Callan Fine Gael Councillor Joe Lyons has told KCLR News; “People are very saddened over the passing of John Mackey, John would have been well known around Callan, he’d have a well-known family, a lot of them are still around the town of Callan, they had quite a big family and there’s still some of them, they come home religiously for the Kilbride Mass, sympathies to the family on this very sad time."

Metropolitan Police confirmed that 58-year-old Peter Augustine of Green Lanes, Hornsey, was charged with murder and robbery on Friday, May 10 and has been remanded into custody.

The Independent reported that on Tuesday, Augustine's case was brought to the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing.

The court heard that Mackey had visited a north London Co-op store where he bought food and a newspaper before visiting a kebab shop on the afternoon of May 6.

The Irish man was allegedly followed in the street and set upon when he reached Goodchild Road in Manor House.

Emergency services were alerted after he was found unconscious and bleeding from his head at around 5:53 pm.

Mackey was taken to hospital where he regained consciousness, but died two days later.

According to the Independent, Prosecutor Ben Holt told the court: “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.”

Other eyewitnesses allegedly saw a male being punched, kicked, and stamped on, the Old Bailey was told.

The attacker allegedly made off with the victim’s black duffel bag containing his cornflakes, shepherd’s pie, and newspaper.

A post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of death as bleeding on the brain and fractured ribs, Holt told the court.

Judge Richard Marks KC set a two-week trial from November 3, with a plea hearing on July 29.

In an appeal on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said that anyone with information for the investigation team can contact 0208 345 3715 quoting 6012/06MAY. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.