Two brothers jailed for life after murdering civil servant 'for fun' over 40 years ago

Two brothers have been jailed for life after murdering a civil servant "for fun" over 40 years ago.

Michael Stewart, 57, and Anthony Stewart, 60, were just 15 and 18 when they murdered Anthony Littler (aged 46 at the time) in East Finchley, north London.

The two then-teenagers bludgeoned Mr Littler to death as he walked home on May 1, 1984.

Mr Littler's murder finally saw justice after the Stewarts' younger brother reported them to the police 29 years after the crime, saying his siblings had admitted to the killing, boasting about "queer bashing".

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A trial commenced at the Old Bailey, where the pair were found guilty of murder.

Mrs Justice Cutts sentenced them both for life in prison today.

Anthony, who is likely to have delivered the blow that killed Mr Littler, was given a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with his younger brother, described as the "lookout" will spend at least 10 years behind bars.

Mr Littler was hit twice over the head with a baseball bat-style weapon and another implement, only to be found dead half and hour later.

He still had his briefcase with him, £80 cash and credit cards.

The victim was heading home after spending an evening at a pub in Carshalton, Surrey, joining a meeting with the Ponds Branch of The Society for the Preservation of Beer from the Wood.

In the sentencing, Mrs Justice Cutts said: "Anthony Littler was in 1984 aged 46.

"He was, according to those who knew him, a quiet, kind and gentle man.

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"He lived a quiet, decent and honest life. He worked as a civil servant and lived alone in East Finchley."

She told the two brothers: "This was not an impulsive attack, I am quite sure your group was lying in wait for a victim, someone to attack and rob."

While there is no evidence of Mr Littler being a gay man, the judge commented the defendants had specifically looked out for gay men to rob, saying: "1984 was a different time and in may respects a different place."

Mr Litttler's cousin Patricia McClure said in a statement: "I am particularly angry these murderers have had 42 years of freedom and they picked Anthony at random for fun, while I am glad that people have been found accountable."

She said her cousin was "kind", with a "great sense of humour", but did not discuss his job much because of the Official Secrets Act.

"During this investigation, I have seen a statement from my aunt. I found out Anthony wrote to his mother every week without fail," she added.

"I am heartbroken for my aunt that she never got the chance to find out what really happened to her son and police investigations that followed leading to where we are now.

"She went to her grave never knowing that people were held accountable for what happened.

"Anthony was an only child. We were always very close because of it.

"In conclusion, I would like to say I was devastated by Anthony’s murder. I lost a great friend who was like a brother to me."

House-to-house enquiries were made at the time, with the two brothers being questioned, but they lied about being at home at the time of the attack.

Binman Anthony Stewart said he never used the alley where Mr Littler was killed.

The BBC and ITV made appeals, however, no meaningful leads were identified.

On the 29th anniversary of the murder, Daniel, the defendants' younger brother came forward after there was a family row.

Years after the murder, Michael had also admitted to his girlfriend his involvement in the crime, even showing her where it happened, the court heard.

In 2022, police reopened the investigation and deployed covert techniques against the pair, such as bugging their cars and Michael's home.

Michael proved to have a "loose tongue" and bragged about what he did over 40 years ago.

Both defendants denied any involvement in the crime.

Samantha Yelland, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Today, Michael and Anthony Stewart have been sentenced for the murder of Anthony Littler more than 40 years ago.

"My deepest condolences go to Anthony’s family and to all those who loved him.

"They have carried this loss for decades, and sadly many who waited so long for answers have not lived to see this day. Nothing can undo what happened to Anthony that night, but I hope today goes some way to honouring him and giving him the justice he deserved.

"Anthony was walking home alone at night when he was ambushed from behind in what was an unprovoked and cowardly attack. It is devastating that he was targeted and killed, in part, because of his perceived sexuality. This was recognised by the court and reflected in the sentences handed down to Michael and Anthony Stewart."

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