Huw Edwards, 63, given six-month suspended sentence after paying paedophile who sent him indecent images: ‘Reputation in tatters’

Huw Edwards has been sentenced to a six-month sentence suspended for two years by a Chief Magistrate at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today

The former BBC News at 10 newsreader was said to have been “emotional” throughout the sentencing and often held his hands to his head when listening to the ruling.

Paul Goldspring, Chief Magistrate, said while delivering his sentence: “Perhaps it does not need saying that you are of previous good character having enjoyed a very successful career in the media. You were highly regarded for your dedication and professionalism, perhaps the most recognised journalist in the UK. Your reputation is in tatters.”

The Chief Magistrate also “accepted” that Edwards “did not remember” the images received and did not send them to anyone else, telling the 63-year-old: “You did not keep them and you did not send them on to anyone else. I accept that you had issues with your mental health. The degree that you received sexual gratification from the images is difficult to assess.”

The Chief Magistrate explained when delivering the ruling that Edwards did not pose a risk to the public or children and an immediate custodial sentence was not necessary because the evidence showed he could be rehabilitated.

However, the suspended sentence comes with requirements that Edward must complete a sex offender programme and further rehabilitative sessions.

The sentence comes after Edwards issued an apology to those he has “betrayed” ahead of the ruling.

Defence barrister Philip Evans KC said the newsreader was “truly sorry” for how he has “damaged his family and his loved ones”, and for committing the offences.

The 63-year-old is now also placed on the sex offenders register for the next seven years which means he has to notify the police of his whereabouts.

He told Westminster Magistrates’ Court: “He knows he has hurt and he has damaged his family and his loved ones around him. For all of this, he is truly sorry and he is truly sorry he has committed these offences.”

Edwards’ barrister also said in his client’s defence ahead of sentencing: “He has lost that good character. He has lost that good character in a very public way.

“That is, we respectfully submit, a matter of some significance and we know that the court will not underestimate the effect that that will have had on him. He has not worked since leaving employment with the BBC.”

Edwards arrived at court today having previously admitted to three charges of “making” indecent photographs.

The disgraced BBC News star was sent 41 illegal images by convicted paedophile Alex Williams over WhatsApp. It was revealed Edwards had paid hundreds of pounds for images from Williams.

On Monday, Edwards arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court pulling a suitcase behind him as he arrived wearing a blue cardigan and accompanied by his legal team.

Of the images sent to Edwards, seven were of the most serious type and the estimated age of most of the children was between 13 and 15 – but one was aged between seven and nine.

Williams was charged in relation to his WhatsApp exchange with Edwards and was convicted of seven offences following an investigation by South Wales Police – receiving a 12-month suspended sentence.

August 2021 was the date of the last exchange after Williams sent 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 that were illegal.

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Overall the charges cover a period between December 2020 and August 2021.

The BBC admitted it was told about Edwards’ arrest in November but he stayed on the payroll until five months later.

At the time Edwards quit the corporation, he said he did so on “medical grounds”.

Following a backlash and calls by several critics, the BBC has asked Edwards to repay the £200,000 salary he received after his arrest.