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

Passers-by allegedly saw the 59-year- old defendant attacking Mr Mackey and searching his jacket as he lay on the ground, the Old Bailey was told.

Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC said another member of the public alerted police after she heard a shout of “give me the bag” and saw Mr Mackey lying inert on the pavement

Mr Mackey, who was bleeding from his head, regained consciousness but was unable to tell officers what had happened, she said.

He was treated in hospital for bleeding on the brain and broken ribs, but died from his injuries two days later.

Ms Bickerstaff said police pieced together events from CCTV footage, although attack i

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