Jury retire to consider verdict in Michael Causer murder trial.

The jury in the Michael Causer murder case has retired to consider their verdict. The murder trial of the gay Liverpool teenager has been running for close to three weeks at Liverpool Crown Court.

A number of witnesses have taken the stand as the fatal events of July 24 and 25 2008 have unfolded.

Last month, James O' Connor (19) of Runcorn pleaded guilty to the murder of Michael Causer, but the basis of his plea was that it was not motivated by homophobia.

Gavin Alker (19) also of Runcorn is charged with the murder of Michael Causer. Alker denies all charges and insists that he acted in self defence.

Michael Causer died in hospital from serious head injuries on August 2nd 2008, he was found dying in the street in Huyton, Merseyside on July 25th 2008. He had been attacked at a house in Biglands Drive in Huyton. Causer knew, and had been at the house with his attackers.

Prosecution witnesses Micheal Binstead (who has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice in relation to the case) and Kyle Kennedy, were both present at the house on Biglands Drive and witnessed the attacks on Causer unfold.

Binstead described to the court how O'Connor and Alker launched an unprovoked attack on Causer, kicking and punching Causer in the head as he lay sleeping after a night out drinking. Binstead also alleges that Alker, a student, shouted homophobic abuse at Causer during the attack.

A claim supported by the testimony of Kyle Kennedy, who claims that Alker shouted, 'you little queer faggot' while he proceeded to kick and punch Causer in the head.

We await the Jury's verdict

To find out more about Michael Causer and to make a donation to the Michael Causer Fund, click here.