Huw Edwards pleads guilty to making indecent images of children

Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards has pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.

He is alleged to have committed three offences between December 2020 and April 2022.

Metropolitan Police said he was arrested in November last year and charged on 26 June.

Edwards, 62, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court at around 9.15am on Wednesday (31 July) wearing a dark suit, blue tie and sunglasses.

Edwards arrived at court on Wednesday (31 July) (PA)

According to the charge sheet, the presenter is accused of having six category A images, 12 category B pictures and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp.

He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, address and his guilty pleas at the start of the hearing.

After he entered his pleas, he sat facing forward as the case was laid out by prosecutors.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police reads: "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."

Huw Edwards has pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children (PA)

The veteran broadcaster had worked for the BBC for over 40 years and had covered major news events such as announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

He officially resigned from the company earlier this year following medical advice.

Confirming his departure from the BBC in a statement on 22 April, a spokesperson said: "Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC.

"After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.

“The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward.

"We don’t believe it appropriate to comment further.”