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Brothers Jailed 42 Years Later for 'Fun' Murder
10 Jul
Summary
- Brothers sentenced for 1984 murder of civil servant Anthony Littler.
- Killers targeted gay men for robbery and 'fun' in 1984.
- Younger brother's report 29 years later led to justice.
Two brothers, Anthony Stewart, 60, and Michael Stewart, 57, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of civil servant Anthony Littler. The brutal killing occurred on May 1, 1984, in East Finchley, north London, when the brothers were aged 18 and 15. Mr. Littler was bludgeoned to death as he walked home, with the attackers targeting gay men for robbery and amusement.
The case remained unsolved for 42 years until their younger brother reported their confessions 29 years after the murder. Following an Old Bailey trial, both were found guilty. Anthony Stewart, believed to have delivered the fatal blows, was given a minimum of 15 years, while Michael Stewart received a minimum of 10 years.
Mrs Justice Cutts described the attack as premeditated, stating the group lay in wait for a victim. The judge noted that 1984 was a different era, but emphasized the random nature of the attack for 'fun'. Mr. Littler's cousin expressed anger over the offenders' freedom but relief that accountability has been achieved.
