Family to hold memorial for murdered gay teen Michael Causer

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The family of Michael Causer, the gay Liverpool teenager who was beaten to death last summer, are to hold a memorial for him on the first anniversary of his death.

Michael died in hospital from severe head injuries on August 2nd 2008, eight days after the attack. The 18-year-old hairdresser, who weighed only seven stone, was brutally beaten.

His family will hold a ceremony at St John’s Garden, Liverpool city centre on Sunday.

A sermon will be read by LGBT minister Sister Renata and flowers will be planted.

Michael’s mother Marie Causer told the Liverpool Echo: “What I really wanted was to hold a candle-lit service, but because it is summer it gets dark too late and Mickey’s nieces and nephews will want to go.

“So we will do that for his birthday in October.

“It will be nice to have everyone together to celebrate Mickey’s life.”

She added that the family hope to use some of the money from Michael’s fund towards a bench in the city centre. The fund was started to help the family hold Michael’s funeral.

Michael was also remembered at Oldham Pride last weekend, where police read out a statement from Mrs Causer.

Four men were present during the attack last year but only one, James O’Connor, was given a jail sentence. He is serving a minimum term of 11 years.

Mr Justice King accepted that the attack was not homophobic, although Michael Binsteed, 19, who pleaded guilty to perverting the cause of justice, testified that another man present, Gavin Alker, had shouted homophobic abuse at the victim.

Alker walked free from court after being cleared, while another man, Kyle Kennedy, did not face charges and was brought as a prosecution witness.

The memorial will be held at 12pm in St John’s Garden, Liverpool.

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