Campaigners plan march in memory of Michael Causer
Aug 4 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post
Flowers at the corner of Huyton Brook and Tarbock Road in Huyton for Michael Causer who died after his attack _320
The sense of appalled outrage at the killing has found voice on the Liverpool Daily Post forums and a dedicated Facebook page.
While there are just a few flowers at the scene of the crime at the corner of Huyton Brook, hundreds of tributes have flooded his online support page.
Many of those adding messages admit they never knew Michael, but had been angered by the nature of his death.
Andy Train, of Leeds, a Gay Pride organiser, is one of many across the country who has been touched.
He wrote: “Hull Pride August 9, and they asked me why we do it? Because people are still dying. On behalf of all Hull Pride goers, Rest in Peace, Michael.”
Richard Wright, on behalf of Liverpool Gay Quarter, told the Daily Post: “The tragedy has touched so many people across the region and beyond, and it is a reminder of what prejudice, bigotry and hatred can lead to. Most in the gay community, like in other minority communities, have experienced some sort of prejudice in their life, and we can all sympathise with the family. What the attackers did is unforgivable and I hope that society learns from it.”
At the family home, a semi- detached on Windy Arbor Road, relatives declined to speak last night, having kept a bedside vigil at the hospital for more than a week.
But heartbroken cousin Sammy Jo Weaver wrote on Facebook: “You’re in our heads, you’re in our hearts, and you're in our dreams but now you’re in heaven.”
Close friends have described Michael’s sweet and positive character and many are now demanding justice.
Insp Mike Jarman said: “We will now re-approach the Crown Prosecution Service with a view to upgrading the charges on three men who were facing grievous bodily harm charges.
“That will be done today and on their next appearance in court they will answer the new charges.”
JAMES O’CONNOR, 19, of Reeds Road, and Gavin Alker, 18, of Woolfall Crescent, both Huyton, are on bail accused of grievous bodily harm in relation to the attack.
A third man, Christopher Douglas, 19, of Page Moss Avenue, Huyton, was charged with witness intimidation after the incident.
