John Mackey, 87, was targeted by unemployed Peter Augustine after he visited a Co-op store in Manor House on the afternoon of May 6.

Earlier in November, an Old Bailey jury found Augustine, 59, guilty of robbing and murdering the “kind, generous gentleman” from Callan, Co Kilkenny, who had lived in London for around 70 years.

He was also sentenced for a theft in nearby Finsbury Park on May 3, which was dealt with at a magistrates’ court.

Augustine did not attend his sentencing at the Old Bailey today (November 28), claiming he had back pain.

Handing out her ruling, which was broadcast live from the court, Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC said: “I have no hesitation in finding that his non-attendance is voluntary and it is appropriate to sentence him in his absence.”

The defendant had been “d

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