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While Sampson’s intention to honour the victims is evident, it’s not yet been realised.
Kath Rathband, PC David Rathband’s widow and mother of his two children, was notified about the TV series via email. She said, “When I read it, the first emotions were sadness, disappointment, and worry for the kids (via The Mirror).”
She continued, “I appreciate them informing me – but what I say isn’t going to change their decision. It is what it is, but I don’t understand why they are doing this. What happened was so well documented. It’s going to be painful for me and the kids.”
“The Hunt for Raoul Moat is the latest in a long line of controversial projects that adapt real-life events against the wishes of some of the victims.”
Similarly, one of Samantha Stobbart’s sisters, Kelly Stobbart, has said, “ITV don’t realise the impact this will have on the people involved. It still gives me nightmares, and I suffer PTSD,” adding that, “My whole family and I all feel that it should be left in the past.”
Samantha’s other sister, Claire, reportedly wrote on social media, “It’s always the same, every year, they’re trying to make a few quid. Dramas, documentaries. By 2030, it’ll be a film.”
And finally, Katelaine Fitzpatrick, Moat’s daughter, has voiced concerns over the drama, telling The Sun, “This TV series is going to bring the horror back.
“For many, it will just be a crime drama on telly, but for me and his victims, and the family of his victims, this is our life.”
The dramatisation is the latest in a long line of controversial projects that adapt real-life events apparently against the wishes of some of the victims.
In 2022, Netflix released Dahmer, a chilling depiction of a notorious serial killer, which was condemned by the family of one of his victims, who described it as “re-traumatising.” Likewise, Hulu’s Pam & Tommy revisited the leaking of a sex tape featuring Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. The project went ahead despite Anderson’s refusal to be involved – with the actor reportedly describing the adaption as “very painful.”
One of the many peculiarities of the Raoul Moat case was the hero worship in the aftermath of his death. After Moat shot himself following a six-hour stand-off with Northumbria police, around 50 bouquets were left outside his home, with one note that read, “RIP Raoul. We know you did some bad things, but you didn’t deserve to die, as everyone has rights (via Lancashire Telegraph).”
A Facebook group titled ‘RIP Raoul Moat You Legend’ was also created in his honour, attracting more than 30,000 contributions. Although this group was deleted by its creator following widespread condemnation, including from then-Prime Minister David Cameron, similar (though significantly less popular) groups soon replaced it, one of which still remains live on Facebook. Its description reads, “Raoul Moat’s death – blame the slut ex girlfriend and the tw[*]t of a cop for tasering him.”
Given that many dramatisations of violent men (see Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy) toe an intangible line between condemnation and glorification, the sympathy – however marginal – that Moat received in death is surely a cause for concern when revisiting this story.
Sampson, the show’s writer, told GLAMOUR, “Respectfully, once people have watched all three episodes and acquainted themselves with the facts, they won’t be viewing Moat in those terms.”
Jake Lushington also reflects on this legacy, noting, “This was a significant event in our public history. You can’t avoid the fact there are very unpleasant things within this story and bringing them up will remind people of those and of the person involved.”
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