A councillor has been forced to apologise after allegedly posting a photo of a mass murderer to praise an Asda meal deal. Tom Maclean who is an independent councillor in Colwyn Bay posted a doctored photo of Norwegian far-right terrorist Anders Breivik holding the supermarket advert.
The edited photo showed the killer holding an advert offering offers for the over 60s. The original photo of the killer was taken when he was on trial over the attacks he carried out in Norway in 2011, which killed 77 people. He was found guilty of mass murder, causing a fatal explosion, and terrorism.
Cllr Maclean later posted to say he hadn't realised who the man in the fake image was and called him a "pretty ghastly figure". He apologised for any offence caused.
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Posting on Facebook, North Wales Live report: "I was highlighting the £1 meal deal for the over 60's which Asda are rolling out which I think is a good idea in these difficult times. I believe some other supermarkets may be offering something similar.
"My post included a clip art frame which it was subsequently brought to my attention featured a person I have since been told is a pretty ghastly figure. Naturally, once I was made aware of this, I removed the post at once and I apologise for my mistake and any offence caused.
"In life, we live and we learn anew each day. I am very grateful indeed to those who let me know about the clip art.
"Once again I apologise for my error. Have a joyous day one and all."
The Facebook post caused an immediate backlash with some people calling for him to be sacked. Sharing the photo one twitter user said: "There are no words, this man needs to be sacked."
Speaking to North Wales Live after making his apology, Cllr Maclean said: "There was no one more mortified than I when it was brought to my attention that my post featured this despicable figure. I have unreservedly apologised and I do so again now.
"It was an honest genuine mistake which was mine and mine alone. Had I known beforehand that this notorious figure Breivik was in the clip art I used, naturally I would have never used it.
"I again thank those who drew the matter to my attention. In public life and on social media, we are all accountable for our actions.
"I am sorry for any upset or offence or hurt the post's usage of that image caused. The post itself of course was to highlight an over 60's £1 meal deal which seemed to me to be worth a mention.
"In these dire times for so many individuals and families, when so many struggle to heat or eat, anything that helps in any way, such as these meal deals, is good I feel. With difficult times ahead for so many in our area, I think anything that can help save money could be good.
"That was the substantive point of my post. I do not want my error in use of clip art to overshadow the point the post was trying to make. It maybe will and that too I regret."
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