Huw Edwards’ shocking mugshot has been unveiled as he avoids jail with a suspended sentence for accessing indecent images of children as young as seven.
The ex-BBC presenter’s mugshot has been released for the first time as the 63-year-old looks dishevelled, which is worlds away from his usual polished look whilst presenting for the broadcaster.
Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.
The former BBC News at 10 host was said to have been “emotional” throughout the sentencing and held his hands in his head when listening to the ruling.
Edwards joined the BBC in 1984 and has been at the forefront of some of the biggest events to have hit the country.
Back in 2022, Edwards sat for BBC in a black suit and tie, hair cut and beard shaved when he announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died.
Throughout his time with the BBC, Edwards has always presented himself as clean-cut and often looks suave when presenting the news to its viewers.
However, the latest mug shot to have been released, sees the disgraced broadcaster wearing what seems to be a black jacket, black shirt and a grey jumped over the top.
The stern look into the camera shows a cut on his forehead and grown-out stubble – something many would not have experienced seeing before.
Edwards also arrived at court today wearing a white shirt with a navy blue cardigan, having shaved the stubble from his mug shot.
Paul Goldspring, Chief Magistrate, said while delivering his sentence: “Perhaps it does not need saying that you are of previous good character having enjoyed a very successful career in the media.
Huw Edwards received a suspended sentence today
PA
“You were highly regarded for your dedication and professionalism, perhaps the most recognised journalist in the UK. Your reputation is in tatters.”
The Chief Magistrate also “accepted” that Edwards “did not remember” the images received and did not send them to anyone else, telling the 63-year-old: “You did not keep them and you did not send them on to anyone else. I accept that you had issues with your mental health. The degree that you received sexual gratification from the images is difficult to assess.”
Goldspring explained whilst delivering the ruling that Edwards did not pose a risk to the public or children and an immediate custodial sentence was not necessary – due to the evidence showing Edwards could be rehabilitated.
The suspended sentence comes with requirements that Edward must complete a sex offender programme and further rehabilitative sessions.
Huw Edwards looked worlds away from his usual clean-cut look when presenting the news
BBC
Edwards’ sentence comes after he issued an apology to those he has “betrayed” ahead of the ruling, with his defence barrister Philip Evans KC adding that the newsreader was “truly sorry” for how he has “damaged his family and his loved ones”, and for committing the offences.
His barrister also said in his client’s defence ahead of sentencing: “He has lost that good character. He has lost that good character in a very public way.
“That is, we respectfully submit, a matter of some significance and we know that the court will not underestimate the effect that that will have had on him. He has not worked since leaving employment with the BBC.”
Source Agencies
