Man jailed for fatally stabbing man who had allowed him to stay at his Harrow home

A swift investigation by detectives has led to a murder conviction after overwhelming evidence against the perpetrator left him with no choice but to plead guilty.

In the early hours of Thursday, 16 March officers were called to Chester Drive, Harrow after residents reported a disturbance in the street.

Police arrived to find 57-year-old Peter Littlefair suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Connor McCarthy, 39 (22.10.84), of no fixed address, was also present and covered in blood. He appeared to be suffering a mental health crisis, and told officers: "I am a good person deep down but I could sense the devil in him, I could feel the heat. Oh my God – what have I done?”

McCarthy was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody after being assessed by paramedics.

Toxicology testing showed McCarthy – who had been staying with Peter after becoming homeless in the latter part of 2022 – had taken cocaine on the night of the murder.

His attack on Peter started inside the house, before Peter ran into the street in an attempt to seek help. McCarthy followed him with knives and a bottle and continued his assault. Peter had more than 35 injuries.

Murder detectives took on the investigation and when McCarthy proceeded to give a “no comment” interview, they set about building a watertight case against him.

Focussing their investigation on Chester Drive, they concentrated on forensic examinations, speaking to witnesses and examining available footage. CCTV and doorbell footage from a neighbouring property had captured Peter running from his home that night, closely followed by McCarthy. This meant that officers were able to swiftly rule out the involvement of any third party.

Detective Inspector Laura Nelson, Specialist Crime, said: “My thoughts today go out to Peter’s family who have been left understandably devastated by his tragic loss. The team have worked quickly to prepare a case which provided McCarthy with little option but to plead guilty, and I hope this swift outcome offers Peter’s loved ones some small sense of comfort.

“McCarthy was high on drugs when he unleashed a violent and sustained attack on Peter who had invited him into his home and offered him a place to stay. We will never know what prompted the attack, but it is highly likely that McCarthy’s emotions were heightened due to his drug use. His senseless actions in that moment have robbed a family of their loved one. I would like to thank the residents of Chester Drive who supported the investigation throughout. They too have lived through this harrowing experience and their courage has contributed to today’s guilty plea.”

+ McCarthy pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday, 2 February to murder. He will be sentenced on Thursday, 25 April.