Retailers bans Manhunt after murder link claim

[Carrie]

source:The Register (www.theregister.com)

Updated UK consumer electronics retail chain Dixons and games retailer Game have pulled the computer game Manhunt from its shelves after the parents of a murdered schoolboy blamed the title for their son's death.

Stefan Pakeerah, 14, was stabbed and beaten to death in a Leicester park in February. Warren Leblanc, 17, of Braunstone Frith, Leicester this week pleaded guilty to the lethal attack.

Pakeerah's parents alleged that Leblanc's fascination in the game, in which points are scored for committing grisly killings, had influenced his actions.

The victims father dubbed Manhunt "a manual for murder".

Dixons and Game today began removing Manhunt from its store shelves. Under UK law Manhunt must not be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Retailer W H Smith told the BBC that it was considering whether to continue stocking the title. Virgin Megastores, however, will continue to do so. "While we take a level of responsibility, ultimately, censorship decisions are up to the consumer," a spokesman said.

Full Story (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/07/29/dixons_manhunt/)

[Lord_of_the_Dense]

I knew this shit would happen. It was only a matter of time.

Which ass-parent bought the damn game for the murderer? They should be going after the parents (and the son), not the game company. If Manhunt was the cause, there's be a hell of a lot more killing going on in the world.

I bought this game as soon as it came out. Let me say that it is kick ass (as in a great game, not that I am compelled to go out and kick someone's ass).

Now excuse me while I go asphyxiate someone. :hammered:

[lordpake]

And if someone is "sensitive" enough to commit such a crime, he/she will do it without game's influence...perhaps not now but no doubt it will happen, just my humble opinion.

That game merely acts as catalyst and brings such "disorder" to surface..

Again just my opinion..

[Nick Madcat]

Of course, blame the game, not the parents or the f-ed up kid. I dont even care since i "acquired" manhunt 2 months ago and still loving it.