**
In a landmark case that has spanned over four decades, Michael Stewart, 57, and Anthony Stewart, 60, have been convicted of the brutal murder of civil servant Anthony Littler, who was targeted in a homophobic hate crime as he returned home on 1 May 1984. The jury’s decision at the Old Bailey brings a long-awaited sense of justice to the victim’s family, who have endured years of uncertainty following the horrific attack.
A Vicious Attack
Anthony Littler, then 45, was savagely assaulted in an East Finchley alleyway while walking home from a pub in Carshalton, Surrey, where he had been socialising with fellow enthusiasts of real ale. The attack left him with catastrophic injuries—two skull fractures and a brain injury—which proved fatal. His lifeless body was discovered approximately half an hour later by passers-by, still clutching his briefcase containing £80 in cash and credit cards.
Moments after the assault, Michael Stewart made an anonymous call from a nearby phone box to report a man in distress, yet he hung up before giving any further details. As emergency services struggled to locate the victim, Littler lay bleeding, ultimately succumbing to his injuries at the scene.
The Long Road to Justice
Despite extensive police inquiries and public appeals, including segments on BBC Crimewatch and ITV’s Police 5, the case remained cold for decades. The Stewart brothers claimed they were at home during the time of the attack, with Anthony maintaining he had never set foot in the alley where Littler was found. However, the investigation took a surprising turn nearly 30 years after the murder when Daniel Stewart, the brothers’ younger sibling, approached authorities following a family dispute, revealing that his brothers had confessed to the crime.
Daniel recounted chilling details of their discussions, where the brothers boasted about their involvement in “queer bashing.” This revelation prompted police to reopen the investigation in 2022, employing covert surveillance techniques, including the use of listening devices in the brothers’ vehicles and homes.
Trial and Conviction
The trial at the Old Bailey, which concluded with the jury taking less than three hours to deliberate, revealed the depths of the brothers’ depravity. Prosecutor John Price KC presented a detailed account of Littler’s final moments and the events surrounding the attack. The evidence presented indicated that the assailants may have panicked and fled, abandoning their initial intent to rob Littler upon realising the severity of his injuries.
Samantha Yelland, a senior Crown prosecutor on the case, highlighted the unique challenges faced by investigators, including the absence of physical evidence such as a murder weapon. “The decision to use covert tactics was unusual but necessary in light of the circumstances,” she remarked.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John echoed the sentiment, affirming the impact of Littler’s murder on his family over the years. “Anthony’s life was cut short in a brutal attack by two teenagers who targeted him because he was alone and vulnerable,” he said.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Following their conviction, the Stewart brothers have been remanded into custody, with sentencing scheduled for 3 July. Both defendants maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings, refusing to testify in their own defence.
The legacy of Anthony Littler’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community, emphasising the need for vigilance and continued advocacy against hate crimes.
Why it Matters
The conviction of Michael and Anthony Stewart not only brings a semblance of closure to the Littler family but also underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices in cases of hate crime. It highlights the resilience of the justice system in seeking accountability, even decades after the fact, and reinforces society’s commitment to combating homophobia and violence against vulnerable communities. In a world where such acts of hatred still linger, this case serves as both a warning and a call to action—reminding us that justice, although delayed, can still be achieved.
