Channel 4 sparks fury after using Southport killer's mugshot in 'sick' advert as viewers beg 'please stop this!'
Recently, an ad on Facebook for the broadcaster's new shows featured a photograph of Axel Rudakubana and said: 'More of the shows you love, more of the shows you will love. Stream now on Channel 4.'
The killer was convicted for the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancome, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport in July 2024, as well as the attempted murder of 10 others.
He was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in January.
The advert contained a link to a news special about the case, titled Southport Killer Sentenced, according to The Sun.
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Recently, an ad on Facebook for the broadcaster's new shows featured a photograph of Axel Rudakubana (pictured) and said: 'More of the shows you love ❤, more of the shows you will love. Stream now on Channel 4.'
Patrick Hurley, who is a Labour MP for Southport, took to social media to express his outrage and posted on X: 'I'm really disappointed to see @Channel4 actively promote this image to Southport residents on Facebook, by buying ads targeting them.
'Please stop this, @Channel 4.
'And as for the text in the post - 'More of the shows you love, more of the shows you will love. Stream now on Channel 4' - is this some sort of sick joke?'
The broadcaster has since apologised and removed the photograph from the advert.
A Channel 4 spokesperson told The Sun: 'We apologise for any offence or upset this has caused.'
Ofcom also confirmed to the publication that Mr Hurley had filed a complaint about the advert.
The watchdog commented: 'Decisions on how news is covered, including the choice of images, is an editorial matter for broadcasters.'
It comes after it was revealed Rudakubana is allegedly allowed to buy treats in prison such as Maltesers and crisps despite throwing scorching water over a prison guard last month.
It is also claimed that he is allowed to call his family, have religious visits and receive money from relatives while in the south east London prison.
Patrick Hurley, who is an MP for Southport, took to social media to express his outrage and posted on X
A source told The Sun that Rudakubana has been 'spending £5.50 a week' since he attacked the guard and is allowed to buy 'anything he likes as long as it's not dangerous'.
They added: 'He's still allowed to buy things like Maltesers and Pringles crisps if he fancies them.'
Since Rudakubana attacked the guard he has been on a 'basic' level of treatment behind bars meaning he no longer has access to a TV and that his time out of his cell has been restricted.
He is also said to be no longer permitted to purchase butter or baby oil which could be heated for an attack.
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