BBC says it has been ‘betrayed’ as it releases new statement on Huw Edwards

Huw Edwards was sentenced to a six-month sentence suspended for two years today by a Chief Magistrate at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today – leaving the BBC to release a statement.

The former BBC newsreader was said to have been “emotional” throughout the sentencing, holding his hands in his head when listening to the ruling.

The BBC has since released a full statement regarding the ruling which read: ‘We are appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him.’

The disgraced star was sent 41 illegal images by convicted paedophile Alex Williams over WhatsApp – with it being revealed that Edwards had paid hundreds of pounds for images from Williams.

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.

The ex-BBC presenter’s mugshot was released for the first time as the 63-year-old looks dishevelled – worlds away from his usual polished look whilst presenting for the broadcaster.

Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.

The 63-year-old became one of the most recognisable faces at the BBC, spanning his four decades of presenting some of the biggest news stories.

He was the BBC’s highest-paid newsreader and presented the News At Ten for decades before he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children in late July.

Edwards was front and centre in live broadcasts of election coverage, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the wedding of the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018, and the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh in 2021.

Throughout his time with the BBC, Edwards has always presented himself as clean-cut and often looks suave when presenting the news to its viewers.

However, the latest mug shot to have been released, sees the disgraced broadcaster wearing what seems to be a black jacket, black shirt and a grey jumped over the top.

The stern look into the camera shows a cut on his forehead and grown-out stubble.

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Edwards also arrived at court today wearing a white shirt with a navy blue cardigan, having shaved the stubble from his mug shot.

Paul Goldspring, Chief Magistrate, said during his sentencing: “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.”

He added that he “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.