Huw Edwards doesn't consider his bisexuality to be excuse for infidelity and has 'high level of remorse' for betraying his wife and children, judge says
Huw Edwards doesnt consider his bisexuality to be an excuse for his infidelity and has high level of remorse for betraying his wife and children, a judge has said today.
Huw Edwards doesnt consider his bisexuality to be an excuse for his infidelity and has high level of remorse for betraying his wife and children, a judge has said today.
The disgraced BBC newsreader was spared jail for receiving sick images of children as young as seven from a convicted paedophile.
The 63-year-old had previously admitted to three charges of making indecent photographs after he was sent 41 illegal images from Alex Williams over WhatsApp.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring handed the UKs most recognisable newsreader a six month suspended jail term as he described how Edwards reputation was now in tatters.
Edwards had turned to social media to engage with men and women in order to boost his fragile self-esteem, according to a psychological assessment.
A psycho-sexual therapist spent more than 21 hours interviewing Edwards to conclude he had been in a perfect storm at the time of his offending.
Huw Edwards pictured with his wife Vicky Flind in London in 2018. A pre-sentence report read out in court outlined the breakdown of his relationship with his wife
A mugshot released of the presenter showed him staring at the camera - dead eyed and gaunt - with silver stubble across his face
Mr Goldspring read from the pre-sentence reports and said Edwards had managed his interest in men since 1994.
But he didnt consider his bisexuality to be an excuse for his infidelity as the judge said he has a high level of remorse for the betrayal of his partner and children.
Edwards, who is an in-patient at the private Nightingale hospital in London, denied having a sexual interest in children and was spared jail as the judge said he would be vulnerable behind bars and a tangible risk he may attempt suicide.
Edwards smiled broadly as he left the courtroom accompanied by a member of his legal team - carrying the same small suitcase he had brought with him, possibly in anticipation of being jailed.
He later walked onto the street with his legal team before being driven away in a black Mercedes. A mugshot released of the presenter showed him staring at the camera - dead eyed and gaunt - with silver stubble across his face.
The court heard Edwards paid Williams hundreds of pounds after he sent him pornographic images, but his defence barrister Philip Evans KC said the broadcaster did not make payments to Williams in order to receive indecent images of children.
Edwards claimed to a probation officer that his sick offending was fuelled by alcohol, poor mental health and a deterioration of his personal relationship, the court heard.
Delivering his mitigation, Mr Evans said his client was mentally vulnerable and claimed he had no memory of viewing any of the images.
The prosecution said Williams asked Edwards for a Christmas gift after all the hot videos. Prosecutor Ian Hope said: Alex Williams says he wants some Air Force 1 trainers that cost around £100, and Mr Edwards offers to send him £200.
Mr Goldspring accepted Edwards did not hand over the cash as payment for the videos but as an apparent thank you.
A court artists drawing of Edwards as he sat in the dock at Westminster magistrates court today
Huw Edwards leaving Westminster Magistrates Court with his legal team following his sentencing today
He did not make any comment to journalists before being driven away in a black Mercedes
Edwards gets into a waiting black Mercedes following his sentencing
Alex Williams, 25, shared indecent images with Huw Edwards that led to the newsreaders downfall. Williams is pictured here as a teenager on a family trip to a Welsh beauty spot
A mock up of the sick WhatsApp messages sent between Williams and Edwards
Of the indecent images he received, the estimated age of most of the children was between 13 and 15, but one was aged between seven and nine.
Defence barrister Philip Evans KC said Edwards was truly sorry and recognises repugnant nature of the images sent to him. The journalist claimed alcohol and the decline in his mental health played a part in the sick chats.
The BBC said following Edwards sentencing: We are appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him.
Following the sentencing, Claire Brinton, from the Crown Prosecution Service, says: Accessing indecent images of children perpetuates the sexual exploitation of them, which has deep, long-lasting trauma for these victims.
The CPS and Metropolitan Police were able to prove that Edwards was receiving illegal images and videos involving children via WhatsApp.
This prosecution sends a clear message that the CPS, working alongside the police, will work to bring to justice those who seek to exploit children, wherever that abuse takes place.
The head of the childrens charity Barnardos released a statement after the sentencing.
Huw Edwards was a trusted public figure at the heart of the national media for decades, Lynn Perry says.
In the midst of this case, we mustnt lose sight of the fact that at the heart of this are children as young as seven who are victims of horrific sexual abuse.
Tens of thousands of children are sexually exploited or groomed online every year. We urge tech companies to take action to make sure abuse material cant be shared on their platforms.
Edwards arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court in London this morning with a wheelie suitcase
Edwards was previously anchor of News at Ten and one of Britains most prominent newsreaders
When children are abused, and images of this are shared online, they must receive urgent, specialist support - something that is sadly unavailable to many children nationwide. Were also calling on the government to ensure that no child is left without specialist support after being sexually abused and exploited.
Sentencing Edwards, Mr Goldspring told the broadcaster: Perhaps it does not need saying but you are of previous good character.
The judge said he accepts Edwards had been of exemplary good character having enjoyed a very successful career in the media.
Its obvious that until now you were very highly regarded by the public, he continued, adding that Edwards was perhaps the most recognised newsreader-journalist.
It is not an exaggeration to say your long-earned reputation is in tatters, the judge said.
He also told Edwards he would be subject to 25 rehabilitation sessions and be placed on the sex offender treatment programme for 40 days.
Edwards was also ordered to pay £3,000 in prosecution costs.
The judge continued: I am of the clear view that you do not present a risk or danger to the public at large, specifically to children. There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
He declined to make a sexual harm prevention order against Edwards.
