Huw Edwards charged with making indecent images of children: Here is everything we know
The former BBC presenter will appear in court on Wednesday
Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, the Metropolitan Police said.
The offences are claimed to be linked to 31 images shared on WhatsApp. Huw Edwards will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a hearing at 10am Wednesday morning.
The presenter was arrested last November by London’s Met Police – and charged with the offences on Wednesday, June 26.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “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.”
But what does ‘making indecent images’ mean?
For many readers following this story, the charge of 'making indecent images' will sound like he actually created them.
Just some clarification, which was recently explained in a court case I covered recently, the meaning is a bit different. (1/3) https://t.co/0t8PBuZIQQ
— Tom Lawrence (@TLawJourno) July 29, 2024
Making indecent images means downloading them. If you download an image, it “makes” the image on your computer. The charge for physically making the photo would be “production of indecent images of children”.
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According to the charges, Edwards is accused of having six images of a child in the most serious category A, as well as 12 in category B and 19 in category C.Category A involves images involving penetrative sexual activity, sexual activity with an animal or sadism. Category B covers images which show non-penetrative sexual activity. Category C is for indecent images not within categories B or C. Ministry of Justice guidelines state that the definition of “child” is anyone under 18.
What is the penalty for these offences, if found guilty?
The offences are contrary to sections 1(1)(a) and 6 of the Protection of Children Act 1978, and if found guilty, the penalty would be a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
When will he appear in court?
After being arrested in November and charged on Wednesday the 26th of July, Huw Edwards will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 31st July.
When did Huw Edwards leave The BBC?
Huw Edwards resigned from his BBC newsreader role in April. Announcing the news in a short statement, The BBC said: “Huw Edwards has resigned and left the BBC. After 40 years of service, Huw explained that his decision was made on the basis of advice. The BBC has accepted his resignation.”
Last week, the BBC’s annual salary report revealed former News at Ten anchor Edwards was the corporation’s third-highest paid star from April 2023 to March 2024. He earned between £475,000 and £479,999 in the period, whilst he was no longer working.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “Huw Edwards, 62, of South West London, has been charged with three offences of making indecent images of children. The CPS authorised the charges after a Metropolitan Police investigation. Mr Edwards will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 31 July 2024. We remind all that proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Related stories recommended by this writer:
• Full statement as Huw Edwards named as BBC presenter in ‘explicit photos’ scandal
• Victoria Derbyshire makes huge blunder on Newsnight discussing the unnamed BBC presenter
• He’s back! And this time Eamonn Holmes is coming for the BBC and the mystery presenter
Featured image before edits via BBC.
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