http://www.365gay.com/news/pair-plead-not-guilty-in-gay-teens-murder/(Liverpool, England) Two men pleaded not guilty Thursday to the brutal murder of a teenager whose slaying has been likened to that of Matthew Shepard in the US.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Causer was attacked on July 25th, beaten in what police described as vicious and unprovoked homophobic bashing. He was found unconscious on a road, lying in a pool of blood.
The openly gay teen suffered massive brain injuries and was rushed to the hospital. He died eight days later, when doctors declared him brain dead and a ventilator was removed.
Gavin Alker, 19, and James O’Connor, 19, were arrested several days after the beating and charged with causing grievous bodily harm. The charges were changed to murder following Causer’s death.
At Liverpool Crown Court Friday, Alker and O’Connor heard the charges read and entered not guilty pleas. Alker entered his plea via video link from prison.
He was ordered held in custody. O’Connor was given conditional bail. The three will return to court Jan. 26 for the start of their trial.
A third man, Michael Binstead, 18, has been charged with perverting the course of justice He, too, has been released on bail and has been ordered to return to court on Dec. 5.
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