Hate crime victims remembered at Michael Causer vigil

Jane Kennedy lights candles for the victims of hate crime at the vigil

More than one hundred people attended a vigil in Liverpool to remember hate crime victims on the anniversary of the murder of a gay Merseyside teenager.

Michael Causer, 18, from Whiston, was attacked at a house party in Huyton in 2008.

He suffered bleeding to the brain after being punched, kicked and stamped on. He later died in hospital.

The Michael Causer Foundation's Gerry Procter said the speeches by hate crime victims' mothers were "very touching".

Michael's mother Marie Causer was joined at the vigil at Temple Square on Thursday by two other mothers who have lost children to hate crimes and are campaigning against it.

Mary Booth, the mother of Albert Kennedy who died in 1989, and Sylvia Lancaster, mother of Sophie Lancaster who was killed because she was dressed as a Goth,

'Respecting differences'

Also attending was Dominique Walker, the sister of Anthony Walker, who was killed because of his race.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Sharon Sullivan and Labour's candidate for Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy was among the dignitaries who attended the event.

Mr Procter, the chair of Michael Causer Foundation, said: "It was very moving.

"Everyone who went to the vigil was committed to a world without hate crime and respecting differences was the theme."

James O'Connor of Runcorn, Cheshire, was jailed for Michael's murder at Liverpool Crown Court in 2009. He was ordered to serve a minimum of 11 years and six months before being considered for parole.

O'Connor admitted attacking Michael but denied in court it was a homophobic attack.