THE mother of openly gay murder victim Michael Causer, who died in August last year, has expressed her fury at what she brands a “despicable attack”.

James O’Connor is serving a life sentence for Michael’s killing.

He denied the attack was related to Michael’s sexuality, but Michael’s mother, Marie, still believes it was a homophobic attack.

She said: “Mickey clung to life for seven days before he died.

“I know exactly what James’s parents are going through – I relive it every single day, every single second.

“I just hope and pray for James and his family’s sake that he pulls through OK. Gay people have a right to be whoever they want to be without fear of being attacked.

“If they are as young as reported, what are they doing out in town at that time of night in a gang?

“I blame a lack of education.

“I am going into schools in Knowsley next February to talk to them about the impact of hate crime.

“Who knows if it will make any difference, but it might and I have got to try it.

“My message to the gay community and any victim of hate crime is report it. If it is reported, something can be done.

“Merseyside Police were absolutely fantastic with Mickey’s case. They were sensitive and worked incredibly hard to get the accused to court.

“James, you are the better person than them. Don’t let them get to you.”