Current:Home > InvestEx-BBC anchor Huw Edwards receives suspended sentence for indecent child images -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Ex-BBC anchor Huw Edwards receives suspended sentence for indecent child images
Ethermac Exchange View
Date:2025-03-11 10:38:45
LONDON — Former British TV presenter Huw Edwards, the long-time face of the BBC's flagship news program, was given a suspended sentence at a London court on Monday after admitting making indecent images of children.
Monday's sentencing sealed a fall from grace for Edwards, a household name in Britain for around two decades who as the BBC's leading news anchor announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II to the nation in 2022.
Edwards, 63, pleaded guilty in July to three charges of making indecent images of children, relating to 41 illegal images he was sent via WhatsApp − including two pornographic videos of a child aged between 7 and 9 years old.
Huw Edwards:Suspended BBC presenter identified as news anchor, police conclude investigation
Judge Paul Goldspring sentenced Edwards to six months in prison suspended for two years, meaning Edwards will not go to jail unless he commits another criminal offense in that time.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Seven of the illegal images were of the most serious category, prosecutor Ian Hope said, and both of those videos were marked as "read" on WhatsApp. In response to the second video, Edwards asked the man sending them: "Any more?"
The offense of making indecent images of children relates to the images that were sent to Edwards. Prosecutors did not allege Edwards had literally made the images in question.
His lawyer Philip Evans said Edwards was at the time suffering with his mental and physical health and he had no memory of actually viewing any particular images.
"He didn't use them for any personal gratification, and he didn't gain any gratification from those indecent images," Evans said, adding that the news personality was "profoundly sorry." "He recognizes the repugnant nature of such indecent images and the hurt that is done to those who appear in such images."
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' court battle:Rap mogul seeks to dismiss $100M judgment in sexual assault case
Claire Brinton of the Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement: "Accessing indecent images of children perpetuates the sexual exploitation of them, which has deep, long-lasting trauma for these victims."
The judge said that Edwards' reputation was now "in tatters," but that the personal impact on Edwards was "the natural consequence of your behavior which you brought on yourself."
A BBC spokesperson said: "We are appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed not just the BBC but audiences who put their trust in him."
veryGood! (88834)
Related
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Mark Zuckerberg faces deposition in AI copyright lawsuit from Sarah Silverman and other authors
- Emmanuel Littlejohn executed in Oklahoma despite clemency recommendation from state board
- 'We've got a problem': Sheriff scolds residents for ignoring Helene evacuation order
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- How RHOC's Shannon Beador Is Handling Ex John Jansson's Engagement to Her Costar Alexis Bellino
- 10 Cozy Fleece Jackets You Need to Stock up on This Fall While They’re up to 60% off on Amazon
- ANSWERS Pet Food recalled over salmonella, listeria concerns: What pet owners need to know
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Could Caitlin Clark be the WNBA all-time leading scorer? Here's when she could do it
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Jury deliberation begins in the trial over Memphis rapper Young Dolph’s killing
- Sophistication of AI-backed operation targeting senator points to future of deepfake schemes
- Tennessee judge denies attempt for a new trial in Holly Bobo killing
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- What to know about Hurricane Helene and widespread flooding the storm left across the Southeast US
- NFL bold predictions: Which players, teams will surprise most in Week 4?
- Menendez brothers' family slam 'grotesque' Netflix show 'Monsters' for 'outright falsehoods'
Recommendation
Travis Hunter, the 2
Led by Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, New York Yankees clinch AL East
Funniest wildlife photos of the year showcased in global competition: See the finalists
A look inside the indictment accusing New York City’s mayor of taking bribes
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
'We've got a problem': Sheriff scolds residents for ignoring Helene evacuation order
ANSWERS Pet Food recalled over salmonella, listeria concerns: What pet owners need to know
Cardi B Unveils One of Her Edgiest Looks Yet Amid Drama With Estranged Husband Offset