BBC questioned over ex-anchor Huw Edwards indecent child images scandal

LONDON: The BBC is facing questions in the aftermath of its former star presenter Huw Edwards pleading guilty in an indecent child images scandal, particularly over the salary he received after his arrest.

Ex-news anchor Edwards, 62, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to three counts of making indecent images of children, having resigned from the BBC in April on “medical advice” six months after he was first arrested.

The crimes occurred between December 2020 and August 2021, with Edwards receiving 41 indecent images of children over WhatsApp. Most children were aged 13 to 15 and one was between seven and nine.

The broadcaster acknowledged that it was “made aware in confidence” by the police that Edwards was arrested in November “on suspicion of serious offences”.

He was already suspended from the BBC at the time, following allegations that he paid a young man for explicit images, which unfolded in July 2023. He remained on the payroll until he left the company in April this year.

BBC director Tim Davie said the broadcaster was “very shocked” at the details that came to light during the trial. However, Davie defended the BBC´s decision not to make the November arrest public or fire Edwards since he had not yet been charged.