Watchdog bans Paddy Power's Pistorius advert

Ireland's advertising watchdog has upheld a complaint and banned Paddy Power's campaign linked to the Oscar Pistorius murder trial.

The ASAI says it received 65 complaints about the print advertisement which offered a refund on all Academy Award bets if Pistorius was found not guilty.

It has ruled that the campaign could be seen to make light of murder and domestic violence and was in breach of the advertisers' code.

The ASAI also said it accepted that reference to "money back if he walks" could be seen to trivialise difficulties associated with amputees.

It says the advertisement should not be used again, and has warned Paddy Power that large sections of the public "do not appreciate or accept the level to which they claim to 'push the boundaries'".