Michael Stewart and Anthony Stewart are convicted of murdering Anthony Littler, a civil servant, following an attack in East Finchley, north London, in 1984. The brothers ambush Littler as he is walking home, and he is left with severe injuries, including a “catastrophic” brain injury. After the assault, Littler is found in an alleyway with serious blood loss, according to reports.
Multiple outlets describe the case as an alleged homophobic hate crime. The conviction comes about 42 years after the killing, with police involvement later playing a key role in identifying and charging the brothers. One account says the investigation included police bugging the brothers’ cars, which helped lead to their conviction.
The trial results focus on the brothers’ responsibility for the fatal attack and the circumstances described by prosecutors, including the alleged motive tied to Littler’s sexuality. The judgments are delivered decades after the death, bringing closure to a long-running investigation.
