BBC Knew of Huw Edwards' Arrest for Indecent Child Images in November
Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children, which he accessed through WhatsApp between December 2020 and August 2021. The BBC was aware of his arrest in November 2023 but took no action as charges were not filed at that time. Edwards awaits sentencing on September 16, 2024.
The BBC revealed it was informed in November 2023 about the arrest of former news presenter Huw Edwards on suspicion of serious offences.
Edwards, who resigned in April 2024, pleaded guilty on July 31, 2024, at Westminster Magistrates' Court to three counts of making indecent images of children.
These images, involving children as young as seven, were sent to him on WhatsApp by a convicted paedophile.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has scheduled a meeting with the BBC’s director general to discuss the organization's handling of the situation.
BBC News, which maintains editorial independence from the corporation, was unaware of the arrest and charges until they were publicly disclosed.
Edwards had been suspended in July 2023 following separate allegations reported by the Sun, which were dismissed by the Metropolitan Police for lack of evidence.
The BBC's annual report listed Edwards' earnings as between £475,000-£479,999 for the year up to April 2024.