The pursuit of justice has finally reached its conclusion in a case that spanned over four decades. In a landmark verdict delivered at the Old Bailey on 10 July 2026, brothers Michael Stewart, 57, and Anthony Stewart, 60, were convicted of murdering Anthony Littler, a 45-year-old civil servant, in a brutal homophobic attack that took place in the early hours of 1 May 1984.
The tragic incident occurred in East Finchley, London, as Littler was making his way home from East Finchley Underground station. The prosecution presented evidence that the brothers, then aged 15 and 18, targeted Littler as he walked through a narrow alley known as The Causeway. The attack resulted in two skull fractures, one of which caused a catastrophic brain injury. Despite carrying valuable belongings, including a briefcase, £80 in cash, and credit cards, none of these items were taken, suggesting the attack was motivated by hatred rather than robbery.
The Night of the Attack and the Initial Investigation
On the night of the attack, a brief 999 call was made from a nearby phone box, alerting authorities to the scene. However, the caller hung up before providing further details, leading to a delayed response. It was not until 30 minutes later that Littler was discovered lying in the alley by a couple walking home. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial investigation proved fruitless, and the case remained unsolved for decades despite national appeals on BBC Crimewatch and ITV’s Police 5. It was not until 2026 that detectives reopened the investigation as part of a cold case review. The lack of forensic evidence, CCTV footage, or phone data from the original investigation necessitated a reliance on witness testimony, historical evidence, and covert surveillance.
The Breakthrough: Evidence and Testimonies
The turning point in the case came when the brothers’ younger sibling, Daniel Stewart, approached the police following a family dispute. Daniel, who was just 10 years old at the time of the murder, revealed that both Michael and Anthony had admitted their involvement in the killing over the years. They had boasted about taking part in what they referred to as “queer bashing.”
Further evidence was gathered through covert recordings after the case was reopened. The prosecution argued that the brothers had a history of targeting men they believed to be gay, and that Littler was selected because he was alone and defenceless. The court heard that by the spring of 1984, the Stewart brothers and their friends had made a “hobby” of such attacks.
The Impact of the Verdict
Following the verdicts, senior crown prosecutor Samantha Yelland expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “It’s never right that someone dies in these circumstances, in particular in a hate crime. I’m glad that we’ve been able to get justice for his family.”
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John added, “They targeted Anthony because he was alone, defenceless and walking down a dark alley in which they knew no-one would see them carrying out their horrendous assault.” The brothers denied murdering Littler and did not give evidence during the trial. They were remanded into custody ahead of sentencing.
Sentencing and Reflection
On the day of sentencing, Michael Stewart was jailed for 10 years, while Anthony Stewart received a 15-year prison sentence. The convictions bring a measure of justice for Littler’s family more than four decades after his death. This case highlights the long-lasting impact of anti-LGBTQ+ violence during a period when such crimes were frequently underreported and often went unsolved.
The advancements in forensic and investigative techniques, combined with new witness evidence, have enabled police to secure convictions many years after the original offences were committed. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of persistent investigative efforts and the potential for justice, even in historic cases.
