A robber who delivered fatal kicks, punches, and stamps to an elderly and vulnerable pensioner before fleeing with a box of cornflakes and a cottage pie has been convicted of murder.

The victim, 87-year-old John Mackey, was targeted by 59-year-old Peter Augustine after Mackey made a trip to a Co-op store in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of May 6.

Witnesses reported seeing Augustine assaulting Mr. Mackey and rummaging through his jacket while he lay helplessly on the ground, as heard during proceedings at the Old Bailey.

The victim’s family and friends, present in the public gallery, erupted in cheers and tears upon hearing the verdict. One family member was overheard exclaiming, “Justice, exactly what we were hoping for.”

A bystander contacted the police after hearing Augustine shout, “give me the bag,” and noticing Mr. Mackey lying motionless on the pavement, the court was informed.

Mr. Mackey, who had sustained a head injury and was bleeding, regained consciousness but could not provide officers with details about the incident.

He was hospitalized for a brain bleed and broken ribs but succumbed to his injuries two days later.

During the trial, it was revealed that Mr. Mackey had been shopping at a Co-op, where he purchased cornflakes, a cottage pie, and a newspaper.

Augustine began to trail him, hanging around outside Manor Kebab, where Mr. Mackey later bought sausage and chips.

A subsequent search of Augustine’s room uncovered remnants of the groceries Mr. Mackey had bought, including the packaging from the cottage pie and sausage and chips.

Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC previously informed the jury that Mr. Mackey stood at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed under nine stone.

The prosecutor stated, “Due to his age and frailty, he was largely unable to defend himself against the attack.”

Ms. Bickerstaff explained to the jury that Augustine was at the time living in “difficult circumstances” and was essentially homeless.

She emphasized that he had employed “extreme force” during the assault on Mr. Mackey.

“When the defendant kicked and punched an elderly, vulnerable, and largely defenseless man who was down on the ground, the prosecution asserts that he intended to inflict severe harm,” Ms. Bickerstaff noted.

Augustine is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28.