Two brothers have been found guilty of murdering a civil servant in a homophobic attack 42 years ago, after police bugged their cars. Michael Stewart, 57, and Anthony Stewart, 60, were convicted at the Old Bailey for the killing of Anthony Littler in East Finchley, north London, on 1 May 1984.
Mr Littler, 45, was struck twice on the head with a blunt weapon as he walked home from East Finchley Tube station. He was found by members of the public lying in a pool of blood in an alleyway, still with his briefcase, £80 cash and credit cards. He had suffered a catastrophic brain injury and died at the scene.
The brothers, aged 15 and 18 at the time, had made a 'hobby' of targeting lone men they believed to be gay, the court heard. After the murder, they initially claimed to be at home. The case remained unsolved for decades until their younger brother Daniel came forward in 2013 following a family falling-out, telling police his older brothers had confessed to the killing and boasted about 'queer bashing'.
In 2022, police reopened the investigation and deployed covert techniques, bugging the brothers' cars and Michael's home. Michael was recorded bragging about the attack. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning guilty verdicts.
Senior Crown prosecutor Samantha Yelland said she was pleased justice had been achieved for Mr Littler, particularly given the hate crime element. Detective Chief Inspector Neil John said the brothers targeted Mr Littler because he was alone and defenceless in a dark alley.
