Former BBC star Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to a number of child porn charges this week – and now faces jail. But is there a way he might avoid spending the next few years behind bars?
This week, it was revealed that Huw had been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children. Arriving at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 31, Huw wore a dark suit, a blue tie, as well as sunglasses.
Once inside, Huw pleaded guilty to the offences that happened between December 2020 and August 2021.
Here are the most shocking moments from the Huw Edwards hearing…
Frenzied scenes at court for BBC newsreader Huw Edwards
There were chaotic scenes at Westminster Magistrates’ Court as Huw arrived, flanked by eight police officers. The presenter, who is a dad-of-five, was last seen in public on July 2 2023 when he made his final appearance for the BBC.
Attempting to make his way inside, Huw was swarmed by photographers. Because of the chaotic scenes, one photographer’s camera was reportedly smashed to pieces.
Huw Edwards makes ’emotionless’ guilty plea
While at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, it was claimed Huw appeared emotionless as he pleaded guilty.
Once he admitted the charges, he is said to have sat with his head tilted slightly upwards, while staring into the distance. The former BBC star then adjusted his tie as Ian Hope, prosecuting, laid out the case against him.
Later, as Huw stood in the dock, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring spoke to him about his bail conditions.
Huw Edwards give warning over jail time
It’s thought Huw could face as long as 10 years in jail. During the hearing, the court was told Huw’s offending had a starting point of 12 months in prison.
Barrister Philip Evans KC, however, said there were mitigating factors and that the sentence should be suspended.
He said: “There are serious issues in relation to Mr Edwards health, both physical and mental, at the time of the offending and now.”
The former BBC newsreader will be sentenced for his crimes in September. However, mitigating factors will be considered when the judge hands down any custodial sentence.
Edwards’ early guilty plea, his previous good character, his mental health issues and his remorse could all work in his favour to reduce his sentence.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Zita Spencer, a solicitor at Olliers Solicitors in Manchester who specialise in cases regarding sexual allegations, thinks Huw could escape jail time.
She said: “In my view, he will either get a three-year community order or a suspended sentence. I doubt he will go to prison for a first offence. There are so few images in his possession and also he’s entered a guilty plea. I deal with cases all the time where people have thousands of images and they don’t go to prison.”
Huw’s barrister shares mental health plea
During the proceedings, Huw’s’ barrister Philip Evans KC also reiterated that the broadcaster had “both mental and physical” health issues.
“It is obvious to the court, I’m sure, that Mr Edwards was not just of good character, but of exceptional character,” he told the court. Mr Evans said how the court was aware of issues with Edwards’ health.
Appearing nervous, Huw reportedly fidgeted with his hands, before confirming that he understood the conditions. He then left the court – with the hearing lasting 26 minutes in total.
Huw was sent picture of child as young as seven
It is claimed that Huw was sent sexual images from a man after meeting in an online chat room.
As a result, it’s claimed Huw had 41 photos of underage children in his possession. These included seven category A images, 12 category B pictures, and 22 category C images on the messaging app WhatsApp.
The court heard how the category A images – the most serious kind – were mostly of children aged 13 to 15.
But there were two images of a young child, possibly aged between seven and nine years old, according to prosecutors.
BBC star Huw Edwards voiced concern over ‘young looking’ boy
There was also a category A video featuring a young boy sent to Huw Edwards in August 2021, it was claimed.
The man who Huw met in a chat room told the presenter that the boy looked quite young. He also told him he had illegal images.
The court was told that Huw told him not to send any illegal images and no more were sent. Huw and the man continued to exchange legal pornographic images until April 2022.
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