Photo of murdered teen Michael Causer used on gay dating site
The mother of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer has spoken of her shock after discovering someone was using his photo on a dating website.
Marie Causer said she cried when she realised someone calling himself “Johnbose” was using her son’s picture on his profile at QueerPersonals.co.uk.
Michael died aged 18 in August 2008. The Liverpool hairdresser had been in hospital for a week after being kicked and beaten by 20-year-old James O’Connor.
O’Connor denied he had been motivated by homophobia. He is serving 11 years in jail for the murder.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Mrs Causer said: “I logged on to Mickey’s tribute page on Facebook and couldn’t believe it when I saw that someone has posted Johnbose’s profile on it to expose him.
“That picture is on Mickey’s Facebook page, but you have to be a friend of his to see it. I also have the picture on my computer at home.
“I just can’t believe someone would stoop this low. If they got it from Mickey’s page they would have seen the tributes to him.
“I don’t know who this person is and I’m worried what his motives are for not using his own pictures.
“It’s just sick and brings back all of the pain of losing Mickey. Who knows what this guy wants from the people who may have contacted him.”
When the newspaper contacted the website, the picture was removed.
QueerPersonals.co.uk director David Dowle said he was “very distressed” to hear what had happened and had removed the account.
