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Liverpool hairdresser's death ramps up charges
Michael Causer
Gay teenager's attackers charged with murder but let out on bail
"Liverpool City Councillor, Steve Radford, urged church leaders to condemn the attack as they had formerly done with racist attacks in the city"
The two teenage attackers of 18-year-old hairdresser Michael Causer have had their charges increased from grevious bodily harm with intent to murder following the death of Causer ten days ago. He had been attacked in what police believe to have been a homophobically motivated incident on Friday 25th July, when he was jumped on and sustained serious head injuries. The hospital where he was treated tried desperately to relieve swelling to the brain but Causer eventually died at 2.30pm on 2nd August.
But despite the seriousness of the charges, the magistrate has allowed the defendents, Gavin Alker and James O'Connor, both 19 and from Runcorn, to go home on bail, albeit tagged and with a strict curfew. Another man, Christopher Douglas, has been charged with witness intimidation in relation to the murder.
Meanwhile, Liverpool City Councillor, Steve Radford of the Liberal Democrat Party, urged church leaders to condemn the attack as they had formerly done with racist attacks in the city. In his statement urging them to sign a book of condolence set up by the council he said, "We all appreciated your public stance over the murder of other young men motivated by the colour of their skin. We pray you will be equally forthright in condemning the violence and abuse against people who are targeted because they are lesbian, gay or transgendered."
