Huw Edwards, a former BBC broadcaster, was spared jail time after he acknowledged seeing pornographic photos of kids as young as seven, reports RTE.
The 63-year-old earlier entered pleas to three counts of “making” indecent photos after convicted paedophile Alex Williams gave him 41 illicit photos over WhatsApp.
Throughout his sentencing hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Edwards leaned forward and clasped his hands together as he was given a six-month sentence that was suspended for two years.
Edwards reportedly instructed Williams to “go on” when he asked if he wanted “naughty pics and vids” of someone referred to as “yng (sic)” before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, reports RTE.
Additionally, the court heard that Edwards gave Williams hundreds of pounds after the latter provided him pictures. However, Edwards’ defence attorney, Philip Evans KC, contended that the broadcaster did not give Williams money in exchange for receiving explicit photos of youngsters.
According to the prosecution, Williams requested a “Christmas gift after all the hot videos” from Edwards.
Ian Hope, the prosecutor, stated: “Alex Williams says he wants some Air Force 1 trainers that cost around £100, and Mr Edwards offers to send him £200.”
Most of the youngsters in the obscene photographs he got were assessed to be between the ages of thirteen and fifteen, however one kid was between the ages of seven and nine, reports RTE.
Edwards “recognises that he has betrayed the priceless trust and faith of so many people,” according to Mr. Evans. He also expressed his “true regret” for the acts he committed and how he had “damaged his family and his loved ones.”
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told the broadcaster as he sentenced Edwards, “Maybe it goes without saying, but you have a history of good character.”
Edwards had “exemplary” good character, the judge noted, “having enjoyed a very successful career in the media.
“It’s obvious that until now you were very highly regarded by the public,” he continued, adding that Edwards was “perhaps the most recognised newsreader-journalist”, reports RTE.
“It is not an exaggeration to say your long-earned reputation is in tatters,” the judge said, reports RTE.
In addition, he informed Edwards that he would spend 40 days in the sex offender treatment program and undergo 25 rehabilitation sessions.
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