Open prison move plan

A KILLER from Runcorn who brutally murdered an openly gay man while he was asleep could soon be moved to a cushier jail.

James O’Connor was one of the ringleaders embroiled in the beating of popular Michael Causer at a house party in Huyton, in July 2008.

Only one man was convicted of the hairdresser’s murder after James O’Connor, 20, admitted the killing, and was handed a life sentence.

Prosecutors alleged that homophobic insults were hurled at Michael.

But the judge sentencing O’Connor’s accepted his plea that his violence was not ‘motivated by homophobia.’

Marie Causer, Michael’s mum, has now blasted a decision by the Ministry Of Justice to inform O’Connor he is now eligible for a ‘pre tarriff hearing,’ at which he could be moved into a different, and potentially easier, type of jail.

According to a letter sent to Michael’s parents, O’Connor will soon be a candidate for being transferred to an open prison.

That is the last stage before an inmate is considered ready for release.

Mum Marie, 55, said: “We received a letter from the Probation Service saying he’s going to an open prison.

“We don’t get told which one, or where he is now.

“I don’t think he should move to a softer jail, why should he? “Why should he have his freedom? “He should serve his minimum of 11-and-half years with the rest of the murderers. It’s wrong.”

O’Connor, from Runcorn, attacked 7½ stone Michael as violence spiralled out of control.

It came after a party involving Michael, and pals, including O’Connor, which started in The Crown pub in Prescot and continued at a home in Biglands Road, Huyton.

The 18-year-old was said to be ‘extremely drunk’ and in a volatile mood because of the end of a recent relationship.

But he wasn’t left to sleep off the effects of the alcohol, and was viciously targeted and attacked by those arriving at the party.

Gavin Alker was cleared of murder at a trial.

Michael was also struck repeatedly with a hardback book before he was dressed, and was carried downstairs to a conservatory where he slept again while the offenders allegedly threatened to burn his leg hairs with a lighter, before vowing to ‘rip out Michael’s body piercings with a knife.’

A plan was then hatched to carry the badly hurt teen outside, while the victim was bleeding from his mouth and nose, and abandoned him.

The emergency services were called, but those accused would later claim Michael was attacked in the street, where he was discovered.

Sentenced to life in jail, with a minimum of 11-and-a-half years to serve, he should be set for a release in 2020.

But once in an open prison, lags can be made eligible for day release, particularly after evidence of good behaviour while behind bars.

The Ministry Of Justice declined to comment.