BBC breaks silence on Huw Edwards sentencing after disgraced presenter dodges jail

The BBC has made a statement on the sentencing of Huw Edwards after the broadcaster avoided jail time. Reacting to the sentence, the corporation expressed that Edwards had "betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him", condemning his actions as "appalling" post-conviction.

The disgraced ex-presenter received a six-month prison term, suspended for two years, subsequent to his admission of guilt concerning the crimes.

Edwards, aged 63, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of "making" indecent images after receiving 41 unlawful pictures from convicted child sex offender Alex Williams via WhatsApp.

At his hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, it emerged that Edwards had encouraged Williams by saying "go on" when solicited for "naughty pics and vids" of what was referred to as "yng (sic)", reports the Daily Record.

District judge Paul Goldspring, the Chief Magistrate, indicated that reputational and fiscal detriment was the unsurprising result of Edwards's own conduct.

In court, it was also discussed that Edwards transmitted sums of money to Williams following the receipt of explicit content, although Philip Evans KC, defending, argued that these payments were not in exchange for child abuse material.

The prosecution detailed a communication in which Williams sought a " Christmas gift after all the hot videos", leading to a request for Air Force 1 trainers valued at about £100, to which Mr. Edwards responded by offering to send £200.

The indecent images received by Edwards predominantly featured children aged between 13 and 15, however, one was believed to be between seven and nine years old. Mr Evans stated that Edwards acknowledges his betrayal of "recognises that he has betrayed the priceless trust and faith of so many people", expressing deep remorse for the harm he has caused his family and loved ones through his actions.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, during sentencing, noted to Edwards: "Perhaps it does not need saying but you are of previous good character."

The judge acknowledged Edwards' previously "exemplary" character, citing his successful media career. "It's obvious that until now you were very highly regarded by the public," he added, describing Edwards as "perhaps the most recognised newsreader-journalist".

Goldspring further commented on the damage done to Edwards' reputation, stating, "It is not an exaggeration to say your long-earned reputation is in tatters," He also informed Edwards that he would have to attend 25 rehabilitation sessions and participate in a 40-day sex offender treatment programme. Additionally, Edwards was ordered to cover £3,000 in prosecution costs.

The judge concluded, "I am of the clear view that you do not present a risk or danger to the public at large, specifically to children."

He expressed belief in a "There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation."

for Edwards and declined to issue a sexual harm prevention order against him.

The final indecent image was sent in August 2021, a category A film featuring a young boy. Convicted paedophile Williams told the newsreader the child was "quite young looking" and that he had more images which were illegal.

Prosecutor Mr Hope outlined the exchange to the court, stating: "Alex Williams says he has some 'naughty pics and vids unsure if you'd like'. Mr Edwards tells him to 'go on' and Alex Williams states 'yng (sic)'."

"Mr Edwards again tells him to 'go on' and Alex Williams sends a category A moving image showing a male child aged around seven to nine.."

"Mr Edwards inquires where the video is from and Alex Williams says an image sharing group on another social media platform which they have both also used, Telegram."

"Alex Williams says the subject is 'quite yng looking' to which Mr Edwards responds it 'can be deceptive' and asks if he has 'any more? "'.

Defence counsel Mr Evans told the court that Edwards "The defendant has no memory of actually viewing any particular image."

and "did not gain any gratification" from indecent images. The charges cover a period between December 2020 and August 2021.

Regarding the money Edwards sent to Williams, Mr Hope said: "It is clear from the face of the WhatsApp chat recovered that a deal of the chat between Alex Williams and Mr Edwards was sexual in nature."

"It is also clear that Mr Edwards was paying not insignificant sums of money - low hundreds of pounds on an occasional basis - to Alex Williams which Mr Williams directly asked for on several occasions, as gifts or presents, apparently off the back of sending pornographic images to Mr Edwards, about which images they chatted."

"Alex Williams has stated that the money was more generally to support him at university and amounted to around £1,000 to £1,500."

After his guilty pleas, the BBC acknowledged it was informed of the former TV presenter's arrest in November, but continued to employ him for approximately five months until he departed on medical advice.

The corporation has requested Edwards to return the £200,000 salary he has received since his arrest.

BBC director-general Tim Davie expressed that the money should be returned and that the corporation will "explore" the legal process if Edwards refuses.

The relevant images in Edwards' case range from the most serious category, known as category A, to the least serious, known as category C.

These include seven category A images, 12 category B images and 22 category C images.

The Sentencing Council, a public body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, defines category A images as those involving penetrative sexual activity, sexual activity with an animal, or sadism. Category B images are those involving non-penetrative sexual activity, while category C images are indecent images that do not fall into A or B.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has clarified that the term "making" an indecent image is interpreted broadly by the courts. This can include actions such as opening an email attachment containing such an image or encountering indecent photos of children through automatic "pop-up" mechanisms on pornographic websites.

In Edwards' situation, he received the illegal images during a WhatsApp conversation. Throughout his forty years at the BBC, Edwards was a key figure in broadcasting major events, including the late Queen's funeral in 2022 and, more recently, the coronation of the King in May 2023.

He was also the one to announce the late Queen's death on the BBC in September 2022.