Huw Edwards' bleary-eyed mugshot as he swerves jail after memory loss claim (original) (raw)

Disgraced Huw Edwards has been given a six-month suspended sentence at Westminster Magistrates' Court after he admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children

Police released Huw Edwards' mug shot moments after he was sentenced

Police have release stony-faced Huw Edwards' mug-shot at the shamed star avoided prison today.

The shamed BBC presenter looked disheveled in the bleary-eyed photo after his arrest last year as he was this afternoon told his career was in tatters. The ex-News at Ten presenter, 63, was handed a six-month sentence, suspended for two, by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.

Edwards sat forward with his hands together, pressed against his lips, as Mr Goldspring told him: "The impact of child sexual abuse can be severe and lifelong." Goldspring told Edwards his "reputation is in tatters," while starting his sentencing remarks.

Mr Goldspring said: "Perhaps it does not need saying that you are of previous good character having enjoyed a very successful career in the media You were highly regarded for your dedication and professionalism, perhaps the most recognised journalist in the UK. Your reputation is in tatters."

Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court (

Image:

PA)

The judge called his crimes "extremely serious offences" but concluded that Edwards didn't present a risk or danger to children. A sex offender treatment programme and 25 rehabilitation sessions form part of the sentence, with Edwards required to sign the sex offenders' register.

After former BBC broadcaster Edwards was sentenced, Claire Brinton, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Accessing indecent images of children perpetuates the sexual exploitation of them, which has deep, long-lasting trauma for these victims. The CPS and Metropolitan Police were able to prove that Edwards was receiving illegal images and videos involving children via WhatsApp.

“This prosecution sends a clear message that the CPS, working alongside the police, will work to bring to justice those who seek to exploit children, wherever that abuse takes place.”

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard how shamed Edwards paid up to £1,500 to a convicted paedophile who sent him 41 illegal images between December 2020 and August 2021. Seven of which were of the most serious type. The estimated age of most of the children was between 13 and 15.

The court had heard how Edwards 'no memory' of viewing the child abuse images that destroyed his career because of his worsening mental health. His defence barrister said: “You have read both the mental and physical health of Mr Edwards which were particularly bad at precisely the time when this offending took place.

“It’s had an effect on his cognition. He has no memory of viewing any particular images. He did not store any of these images on any device. He didn’t use them for any personal gratification.” Mr Evans KC said shamed Edwards was “truly sorry” for how he has “damaged his family and his loved ones” and for committing the offences.

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