The former BBC announcer was sentenced to jail time at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London after entering a guilty plea to three counts of “making” obscene photographs of youngsters. London serves as the location of the court.
It was brought to the attention of the court that he had paid a paedophile up to 1,500 pounds because the paedophile had sent him 41 illegal photographs between the months of December 2020 and August 2021, seven of which were of the most serious kind.
One of the youngsters in those images was between the ages of seven and nine, despite the fact that it was thought that the majority of the children in those pictures were between the ages of thirteen and fifteen.
Paul Goldspring, the chief magistrate, informed Edwards that his “reputation is now in tatters” and referred to his acts as “extremely serious offences” when he handed down his sentence. Edwards was also told that his “reputation is now damaged.”
He leaned forward and held his hands together during the entire hearing as the disgraced broadcaster was granted a sentence of six months in prison with a two-year suspension. He was also suspended for two years.
A component of his sentence, the 63-year-old individual is compelled to take part in a treatment programme designed specifically for sexual offenders. This is in addition to attending a total of 25 rehabilitation sessions.
In addition to that, he has to pay a victim surcharge with charges of £3,128. Additionally, he is compelled to sign the sex offenders’ registry for a period of seven years until he is released from prison.
Immediately following the delivery of the sentence, an official spokesman for the BBC made the following statement: “We are appalled by his crimes.” Not only has he failed to deliver good results for the BBC, but he has also let down those individuals who had placed their faith in him.
The prosecutor, Ian Hope, stated that Edwards was deemed to have a “medium risk of causing serious harm to children.” The prosecutor made this determination. It was in front of the court that this evaluation was made.
Alex Williams, who was found guilty of creating sexually explicit images, is the person who provided the newsreader with the illicit photographs over the messaging app WhatsApp.
An investigation conducted by South Wales Police led to the charging of Williams in connection with his WhatsApp conversation with Edwards. Williams was found guilty of seven offences and received a sentence of twelve months with a suspended sentence.
Williams had offered Edwards “naughty pics and videos,” adding that they were “yng-looking” [sic]. The court heard one WhatsApp discussion in which Williams had made this offer.
Edwards encouraged him to “go on” again, and Williams provided a moving image that was classified as Category A, which is the most dangerous category. The image depicted a male youngster who was between the ages of seven and nine, according to the testimony presented at the trial.
Upon requesting additional photographs, Williams informed Edwards that he was “not sure” if he would be interested in them due to the fact that they were unlawful. The newsreader answered by saying, “Ah OK, don’t.”
In August of 2021, Williams emailed Edwards the final indecent image, which was a category A film starring a young kid. Williams told Edwards that the youngster was “quite young looking” and that he had more images that were unlawful.
Seven category A photographs, twelve category B images, and twenty-two category C images were among the total number of images that were involved in the Edwards case.
It was brought to the attention of the court that Edwards had disclosed to his probation officer that the reasons for his criminal behaviour were his preoccupation with sexually explicit internet chats, his poor mental health, his consumption of alcohol, and the disintegration of his marriage.
Prior to the hearing, Edwards had a history of mental illness and was diagnosed with arteriosclerosis in December before the hearing.
He adds, “The effect of these conditions encompasses an impact on and impairment of mood, behaviour, and judgement.”
Edwards was a private hospital patient, the court heard.
Philip Evans KC, his lawyer, said the filthy photographs did not help the former newsreader.
Mr. Evans said Williams “sought out” Edwards and that Edwards’ money was “certainly not” for indecent images.
The lawyer claimed the former presenter had “no recollection of observing any specific images.”.
Mr. Evans termed the media attention “extraordinary,” saying Edwards wanted to show the court “how profoundly sorry he is.”
The barrister said Edwards “acknowledges the objectionable nature and the harm caused to those depicted” in the images and “offers a sincere apology and emphasises that he feels profound regret.”.
He said Edwards regrets his actions and accepts that he broke trust and hurt his family.
A judge told Edwards that incarceration would raise his risk of violence and self-harm.
Edwards had a “psychologically challenging upbringing,” with a “highly regarded” male father who was “monstrous.”
The publication reported that Edwards separated from television producer Vicky Flind without citing his bisexuality.
The Queen’s death in September 2022 was Edwards’ most important BBC story in 40 years.
BBC chairman Samir Shah said Edwards “damaged” trust the Monday before.
Edwards received five months of compensation after his November 2023 arrest. BBC wants almost £200,000 from him.
Edwards departed BBC in April for health reasons.
The CPS argued that courts have broadly interpreted “making” indecent photos.
It can range from opening an email attachment with an image to accessing sexual websites with “pop-up” kid photos.
Edwards received unauthorised photos via WhatsApp.
term.Mr. Evans disputed his client “produced” the photos “in the conventional interpretation of the term.”.