Former presenter Edwards escapes prison sentence for “disgusting” child photos – News

Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards, once one of the most trusted and recognizable faces on British television, escaped a prison sentence on Monday for indecent photographs of children, capping a shocking fall from grace.

The 63-year-old presenter was instead given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years, meaning he will not have to serve any prison time unless he reoffends.

Edwards has led the British people through some of their country's most momentous events over the past two decades, including the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

His calm demeanor – coupled with the public broadcaster’s reputation for journalistic impartiality – made him a reassuring presence for millions.

But his reputation and career are now in tatters after he pleaded guilty in July to three counts of taking indecent images of children between December 2020 and August 2021.

In sentencing, Chief Justice Paul Goldspring said that if Edwards had been sentenced to prison he would have been at risk of “significant harm” to others and of suicide, but he had also shown remorse.

Edwards sat in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London with his hands folded as if in prayer.

The former presenter had admitted that he had received 41 indecent images of children, including seven images of the most serious nature, from a 25-year-old convicted paedophile via WhatsApp.

Most of the children were between 13 and 15 years old, one was between seven and nine years old.

However, the judge said that the offences were extremely serious and therefore did not require immediate imprisonment.

He also ordered him to attend a 40-day sex offender treatment program and 25 days of rehabilitation.

Defence lawyer Philip Evans told the court that Edwards accepted the “repulsive nature of the images” and was “deeply sorry” for having “betrayed so many people”.

Edwards had faced a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

He was first arrested in November last year and charged in June, but the case did not become public until late July, just days before his court date.

The Welsh presenter resigned from his role at the BBC in April on “medical advice” after 40 years with the broadcaster.

The taxpayer-funded BBC, whose brand is built on public trust, admitted it had been informed by police of the arrest and was criticised for continuing to pay Edwards' salary for another six months.

“We are appalled by his crimes,” a spokesman said after the verdict was announced.

“He has not only betrayed the BBC, but also the audience who trusted him.”