Ex-BBC presenter Huw Edwards pleads guilty to making indecent images of children

Ex-BBC presenter Huw Edwards has pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to three counts of making indecent images of children.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that the broadcaster had been charged with making indecent images of children, facing three charges over alleged activity between December 2020 and April 2022.

The Metropolitan Police said he was arrested in November last year and charged on 26 June.

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.

Huw Edwards (PA)

Huw Edwards (PA)

The offences are contrary to sections 1(1)(a) and 6 of the Protection of Children Act 1978.

Edwards appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this morning, confirming his name, date of birth, address and his guilty pleas at the start of the hearing.

After pleading guilty, he could receive a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman previously issued a statement to Tyla yesterday (29 July), saying: "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.

Edwards had previously worked for the BBC for 40 years (BBC)

Edwards had previously worked for the BBC for 40 years (BBC)

"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 from the BBC in April, 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."