A robber who fatally kicked, punched and stamped on a vulnerable pensioner before taking off with a box of cornflakes and a cottage pie has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years.

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

Earlier in November, an Old Bailey jury found Augustine, 59, guilty of robbery and murder. He was also sentenced for a theft charge that was dealt with at a magistrates’ court.

Augustine did not attend his sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday, 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

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