Huw Edwards, the former BBC anchorman who once held the title of the corporation's most senior news presenter, has admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children. The charges were brought against him following his arrest in November 2022 and subsequent formal accusation in July 2023.
Edwards entered a plea of guilty at a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Wednesday. The charges relate to 41 images shared on a WhatsApp chat between 2020 and 2022. These images are categorized as follows: six category A images, the most serious classification of indecent images; 12 category B pictures; and 19 category C photographs, all found on a phone belonging to Edwards.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that these allegations are separate from other claims that were widely reported and investigated last year concerning the former presenter. A police spokesperson stated, "These allegations did not form part of the matter which was considered by police in July 2023. They were investigated separately as a standalone case."
Huw Edwards' departure from the BBC in April followed the allegations and subsequent investigation. Prior to his resignation, Edwards held the position of the corporation's highest-profile and best-paid news anchor. He was a regular presenter on BBC One's flagship news programme, the Ten O'Clock News, and was often chosen to lead coverage of major national events.
The admission of guilt by the former BBC anchorman has sent shockwaves through the media landscape. The case is expected to proceed to a higher court for sentencing.