Disgraced BBC News presenter Huw Edwards is set to face sentencing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Monday for charges related to indecent images of children. The former newsreader pleaded guilty in July to three counts of making such images, including some depicting a victim as young as seven to nine years old.
Edwards, who was a prominent figure on BBC One’s News at Ten until last year, admitted to having 41 indecent images sent to him on WhatsApp. The images included category A images, the most serious classification showing severe abuse, as well as category B and C images involving non-penetrative sexual activity.
The man who sent the images to Edwards was identified as a 25-year-old convicted paedophile named Alex Williams. Edwards’ barrister argued that the former broadcaster did not create or distribute any images and had experienced mental and physical health issues.
The possible punishments for Edwards include up to three years in jail or a community order with a sex offender treatment programme. The BBC, where Edwards was the highest-paid journalist, has requested him to return the £200,000 he earned between his arrest last November and his resignation in April.
The case highlights the legal definition of “making” indecent images, which can include actions such as downloading, storing, or accessing such images. The court will determine whether the offence falls under possession, distribution, or production categories, with production being the most serious.
As Edwards awaits his sentencing, the public awaits to see how the court will address this troubling case involving a once-respected news presenter.
