Murder Defendant Walks Free

A jury at Liverpool Crown Court has found 19 year old student Gavin Alker "not guilty" of the murder of gay teen Michael Causer.

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.

Gavin Alker and James O'Connor were both present at the house and were charged with Causer's murder.

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

However Alker denied all charges, always maintaining that he hit Michael Causer in self defence. Alker blamed the attack on his friend James O'Connor.

The jury took 13 hours to clear Alker of murder and manslaughter. Members of Michael Causer's family wept and ran from the court as the verdict was delivered.

The verdict comes as a shock to people who have followed this case, especially considering the weight of evidence against Alker. Prosecution witnesses Micheal Binsteed (who has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice in relation to the case) and Kyle Kennedy were also present at the house, and told the jury that they witnessed Alker brutally beat Causer and aim homophobic abuse at him.

Matthew Fox of Liverpool's LGBT Network was shocked by the verdict: "As someone who has followed this case closely from the beginning, I have to say I am at a loss as to what to do now. I just didn't believe a Not Guily verdict was possible in this case given the weight of evidence against Gavin Alker."

Over the past three weeks the jury have heard how the tragic events of July 24th and 25th 2008 unfolded. Prosecutor Richard Pratt QC alleged that Gavin Alker hit Causer with a hard back book while the victim was sleeping, then proceeded to kick and punch him, used a cigarette lighter to burn hairs on his leg and threatened to rip his body piercings out with a knife.

From the beginning of this case, Merseyside Police have treated it as a homophobic attack, and Mr Pratt QC claimed that Alker aimed a tirade of homophobic abuse at Michael Causer whilst he was attacking him, such as "you little queer faggot" and "he's a little queer, he deserves it."

How and why has this verdict been returned, considering the overwhelming evidence against Alker?

Alker will walk free, while O'Connor and Binsteed will be sentenced at a later date.

Merseyside Police have reported that for the period between April 1st 2008 and October 31st 2008 - the period of time that includes the dates of Michael Causer's attack and death - there were 111 instances of reported Hate Crime categorised as being motivated by sexual orientation. This constitutes 11.8% of the total reported Hate Crimes for that period in Merseyside.

Superintendent Martin Andrew of Merseyside Police said: "We respect the decision of the court, however we are obviously extremely disappointed. This is a difficult day for the family and our deepest sympathies are with them at this time. There has been a collective determination from all staff and officers involved, to bring about justice for Michael and his family."

The LGF's thoughts are with Michael Causer's family and friends. To find out more about Michael Causer and to donate to the Michael Causer fund, click here.

To let us know what you think of today's shocking verdict, leave a comment below.