In a case that has haunted the community for over four decades, two brothers have been convicted of murdering a civil servant, Anthony Littler, in a brutal attack motivated by homophobia. Michael Stewart, 57, and Anthony Stewart, 60, faced justice at the Old Bailey for the heinous crime committed on 1 May 1984, which left Littler, 45, dead from severe head injuries.
A Gruesome Attack
The assault occurred as Littler was returning home from a pub in Carshalton, Surrey, where he had been enjoying a night out with friends. After arriving at East Finchley Tube station around 12.18 am, he was ambushed in a narrow alley. The brothers struck him multiple times with a blunt object, leaving him mortally wounded. Tragically, he was discovered lying in a pool of blood approximately thirty minutes later, still clutching his briefcase, £80 in cash, and credit cards.
In the immediate aftermath, Michael Stewart placed an anonymous emergency call from a nearby phone box, but abruptly disconnected before providing any useful information. It was a passerby who eventually found Littler and alerted the authorities. He suffered two skull fractures and a catastrophic brain injury that ultimately claimed his life at the scene.
The Hunt for Justice
Despite extensive investigations, including house-to-house inquiries and appeals on crime television shows such as BBC Crimewatch and ITV’s Police 5, the case went cold for decades. The Stewart brothers, then teenagers, maintained their innocence, claiming to have been at home during the time of the attack.
A significant breakthrough came nearly three decades later when the brothers’ younger sibling, Daniel Stewart, approached police about their confession during a family dispute. He revealed that Michael and Anthony had boasted about their involvement in what they called “queer bashing.” This revelation prompted the police to reopen the investigation in 2022.
Utilising covert surveillance tactics, including bugging the brothers’ vehicles and homes, investigators sought to gather evidence against them. The court heard that while Anthony Stewart was reticent, Michael had a tendency to boast about the attack. His loose tongue ultimately contributed to their conviction.
Conviction and Sentencing
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, the jury reached a verdict in under three hours, finding both brothers guilty of murder. Senior Crown prosecutor Samantha Yelland expressed satisfaction at finally delivering justice for Anthony Littler and his family, remarking on the difficulties investigators faced due to the passage of time and the loss of crucial evidence.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John from Scotland Yard reflected on the impact of the case, stating that Littler’s life was tragically cut short by the brothers’ “sickening kind of violence.” He added that the conviction provides some closure for Littler’s family, who have endured years of pain due to the brutal nature of his murder.
The details of Littler’s last moments were revisited during the trial. Eyewitness Edward Dyer described hearing a scream that sounded like a cry of pain moments before Littler was found. The second emergency call, made by the anonymous caller who showed unusual concern, was later identified as having been made by Michael Stewart.
Both defendants have been remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for 3 July.
Why it Matters
This conviction is a significant milestone not only in the pursuit of justice for Anthony Littler but also in the broader fight against hate crimes. It highlights the importance of addressing historical injustices and acknowledges the lasting impact of such crimes on victims’ families and communities. As society grapples with the legacy of homophobia and violence, it underscores the necessity of continued vigilance and advocacy for equality and justice.
