Featured Image Credit: Kate Green/Getty Images/ Mike Marsland/WireImage
Topics: Huw Edwards, TV And Film, Celebrity, BBC
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Huw Edwards, TV And Film, Celebrity, BBC
Ex-BBC presenter Huw Edwards has been charged with making indecent images of children.
The 62-year-old veteran broadcaster, who left the corporation in April, faces three charges over alleged activity between December 2020 and April 2022.
He is due in court on Wednesday (30 July).
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According to the charge sheet, Edwards is accused of having six category A images, 12 category B pictures and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp.
The offences are contrary to sections 1(1)(a) and 6 of the Protection of Children Act 1978, and if found guilty, he could receive a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman has since issued a statement to Tyla on the matter.
It reads: "Huw Edwards, 62, of Southwark, London has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children following a Met Police investigation.
"The offences, which are alleged to have taken place between December 2020 and April 2022, relate to images shared on a WhatsApp chat.
"Edwards was arrested on 8 November 2023. He was charged on Wednesday, 26 June following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.
"He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 31 July.
"Media and the public are strongly reminded that this is an active case.
"Nothing should be published, including on social media, which could prejudice future court proceedings."
Edwards, who had helmed major royal and political events at the corporation and been outspoken about dealing with mental health issues, resigned in April with the BBC saying he left 'on the basis of medical advice from his doctors'.
The BBC issued a statement on Edwards' resignation at the time which read: "Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC. After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.
"The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don’t believe it appropriate to comment further."
Earlier today (29 July), updated BBC guidelines on relationships in the workplace have warned staff that using 'celebrity status' to influence people to make a decision in your favour is an 'abuse of power'.
The Managing Personal Relationships at Work Policy also gives examples to staff of what to be on the look out for including 'signs or evidence of potential grooming'.
The document advises employees to raise concerns if they hear about 'rumours or evidence of a potential relationship involving an imbalance of power', 'coercive behaviour' or 'inappropriate gifts', and report them, or discuss them with a line manager.