A killer stabbed a 57-year-old man to death at the Harrow home where he had let him stay after becoming homeless.
Murderer Connor McCarthy, 39, was found by officers covered in blood and in an agitated state after the frenzied attack on Peter Littlefair at his home in Chester Drive early on March 16.
He told police who were called by neighbours to the scene: “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?”
The Old Bailey heard how the victim had invited McCarthy to stay at his home after he became homeless in the latter part of 2022.
On the night of the attack, McCarthy took cocaine before unleashing a frenzied attack on Mr Littlefair inside his own home.
As the victim ran out into the street to seek help, McCarthy continued his attack with knives and a bottle, inflicting more than 35 injuries.
CCTV and doorbell footage from neighbour’s properties captured the moment Mr Littlefair ran from his home, pursued by McCarthy, ruling out any third-party involvement.
At interview, McCarthy declined to answer police questions, but on Friday he pleaded guilty to Mr Littlefair’s murder in court.
Met Detective Inspector Laura Nelson said Mr Littlefair’s family have been left devastated by his loss, and that she hoped the guilty plea brought them 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,” she said.
“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 is due to be sentenced on Thursday, April 25.
