Two siblings, Michael Stewart, 57, and Anthony Stewart, 60, have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of civil servant Anthony Littler 42 years ago in a series of violent attacks targeting men they suspected to be homosexual. The incident took place on May 1, 1984, in East Finchley, north London, where the victim, Anthony Littler, 45, was assaulted and left severely injured while walking home from a pub meeting.
Despite initially avoiding detection, a breakthrough in the case occurred when the younger brother of the defendants, Daniel, came forward to the police 29 years later, revealing that his older brothers had confessed to the crime. Subsequent investigations, including covert surveillance, led to the discovery of incriminating evidence against the brothers, ultimately resulting in their conviction for murder.
During the trial, it was disclosed that the Stewart brothers and their associates had a history of targeting solitary men they believed to be gay for violent purposes. Despite their denial of involvement in the crime, the jury found them guilty after less than three hours of deliberation. The judge highlighted the premeditated nature of the attack, emphasizing that the group had planned to victimize and rob an individual that night.
The sentencing judge acknowledged Anthony Littler as a quiet and respectable individual, emphasizing that the attack was not impulsive but a deliberate act of violence. While there was no evidence suggesting Mr. Littler’s sexual orientation, the judge noted the defendants’ pattern of targeting gay men for robbery during that era.
In response to the verdict, Patricia McClure, Mr. Littler’s cousin, expressed anger over the murderers’ prolonged freedom and random selection of Anthony as a victim. She described Mr. Littler as a kind-hearted individual with a great sense of humor, highlighting the injustice of his untimely death and the accountability finally being brought upon the perpetrators.
The case, which remained unsolved for decades, serves as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of justice and the importance of speaking out against acts of violence and discrimination.
