City awaits murder trial as gay teen memorial fund established
Two men from the Huyton area of Merseyside will go on trial next year for the murder of a gay teenager.
18-year-old Michael Causer was attacked on Friday 25th July and suffered serious head injuries.
Despite surgery to try to reduce swelling on his brain, he died at 2:30pm on Saturday 2nd August.
James O’Connor and Gavin Alker, both 19, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court last month and were bailed to appear on November 17 for a plea and case management hearing.
The judge set their trial date for January 2009.
Christopher Douglas, 19, also from Huyton, has been charged with witness intimidation in connection with the murder of Mr Causer.
A book of condolence was opened in Liverpool Town Hall the day before O’Connor and Alker appeared in court. The first signature was the city’s Lord Mayor.
Michael’s funeral has been delayed for up to twelve weeks pending the results of pathology examinations.
Liverpool’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Network has established The Michael Causer Fund in his memory.
“The fund will be used to assist the family of Michael Causer at this time in any appropriate way,” the group said.
Marie and Michael Causer Senior said in a statement after their son’s death:
“Mickey was very close to all members of his family and will be greatly missed by his Mum and Dad, brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, and his grandparents.
“Mickey loved life and had many friends.
“He was popular and well liked.
“Mickey was the life and soul of the party, a happy, and outgoing eighteen-year-old man.
“Our world will never been the same without him.”
To donate to the fund, click here.
Gift aid can be claimed back for any donations made if you are a UK taxpayer. You can also send a cheque (made payable to “The Michael Causer Fund”) to: Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, 14 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 0NJ.
Debit/credit card donations can be made by calling 0151 243 1076 (office hours only).
