Langham to address Oxford Union

Langham was jailed on 15 counts of downloading indecent images

Actor Chris Langham, jailed for downloading child pornography, is to address the Oxford Union.

The Bafta award-winner will talk to students on 27 May about his conviction and his "vilification" in the media, union president Ben Tansey said.

He said Langham had been invited because he was a respected figure in his profession.

Children's charity Kidscape said the invitation was a publicity stunt and "very disappointing".

Michele Elliot, Kidscape founder, said: "We are not calling for Chris Langham to be banned, because we believe in free speech, but we are very disappointed the union has invited someone with this type of conviction.

"We are worried about the message it sends out to the victims."

We were recommended Chris Langham and we thought he was a very respected figure in his profession Oxford Union president, Ben Tansey

Other speakers announced for the forthcoming term includes Tory leader David Cameron, model Jodie Marsh and Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

The student debate has a history of attracting controversial figures, with recent speakers including BNP leader Nick Griffin, historian David Irving and singer Michael Jackson.

Union president Mr Tansey said: "We do not invite speakers for publicity.

"We were recommended Chris Langham and we thought he was a very respected figure in his profession being a Bafta winner.

"I know some people might have a few reservations but he has served his time in jail.

"He will be talking about the run-up to his conviction and how he has been vilified in the media so quickly."

Langham was jailed for 10 months at Maidstone Crown Court last September after he was convicted on 15 counts of downloading images of children.

He spent three months in prison, but was released on appeal in November.