Culture secretary to discuss Huw Edwards case with BBC boss

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, Edwards admitted having 41 indecent images of children, which had been sent to him by another man on WhatsApp.

They included seven category A images, the most serious classification – two of which showed a child aged between about seven and nine.

Category A images show serious abuse including penetrative sexual activity.

He also had 12 category B pictures, which involve non-penetrative sexual activity, and 22 photographs in category C, which covers other indecent images. The category B and C pictures showed children aged between 12 to 15.

After Edwards pleaded guilty on Wednesday, his former employer said: “The BBC is shocked to hear the details which have emerged in court today. There can be no place for such abhorrent behaviour and our thoughts are with all those affected.”

It said it had been “made aware in confidence” in November 2023 that Edwards “had been arrested on suspicion of serious offences and released on bail whilst the police continued their investigation”.

“At the time, no charges had been brought against Mr Edwards and the BBC had also been made aware of significant risk to his health,” the statement continued.

The corporation noted: “If at any point during the period Mr Edwards was employed by the BBC he had been charged, the BBC had determined it would act immediately to dismiss him. In the end, at the point of charge he was no longer an employee of the BBC.”