Shamed BBC news reader Huw Edwards has pleaded guilty to three counts of making 41 indecent images of children.
His appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court was the first time he has been seen in public since he stepped down from his anchor position on the News of Ten.
In court, the 62-year-old journalist admitted he had received 41 illegal images on Whatsapp from a man between December 2020 and August 2021. Police found he had engaged in online chat with the man, now known as Alex Williams, who had initially contacted him via social media. The images included seven ‘category A’ images – the most serious classification.
Alex Williams was charged in relation to his WhatsApp chat with Edwards and was convicted of seven offences after an investigation by South Wales police, receiving a 12-month suspended sentence on March 15.
Edwards must attend a pre-sentence hearing on September 16. He faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a minimum of 12 months.
Claire Brinton, a specialist prosecutor for the CPS, said: “Accessing indecent images of underage people perpetuates the sexual exploitation of children, which has deep, long-lasting trauma on these victims.
“This prosecution sends a clear message that the CPS, working alongside the police, will work to bring to justice those who seek to exploit children, wherever that abuse takes place.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC is shocked to hear the details which have emerged in court today. There can be no place for such abhorrent behaviour and our thoughts are with all those affected.
“The police have confirmed that the charges are not connected to the original complaint raised with the BBC in the summer of 2023, nevertheless in the interests of transparency we think it important to set out some points about events of the last year.
“In November 2023, whilst Mr Edwards was suspended, the BBC as his employer at the time was made aware in confidence that he had been arrested on suspicion of serious offences and released on bail whilst the police continued their investigation. At the time, no charges had been brought against Mr Edwards and the BBC had also been made aware of significant risk to his health.
“Today we have learnt of the conclusion of the police process in the details as presented to the court. If at any point during the period Mr Edwards was employed by the BBC he had been charged, the BBC had determined it would act immediately to dismiss him. In the end, at the point of charge he was no longer an employee of the BBC.
“During this period, in the usual way, the BBC has kept its corporate management of these issues separate from its independent editorial functions.
“We want to reiterate our shock at Mr Edwards’ actions and our thoughts remain with all those affected.”
