Huw Edwards charged with making indecent images of children

The 62-year-old who quit the BBC last April is facing three charges of the offence for a period between December 2020 and April 2022.

Police say the charges are alleged to be connected to images shared via WhatsApp.

The ex-broadcaster will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Huw Edwards, 62, of Southwark, London has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children following a Met Police investigation.

"The offences, which are alleged to have taken place between December 2020 and April 2022, relate to images shared on a WhatsApp chat.

"Edwards was arrested on 8 November 2023. He was charged on Wednesday, 26 June following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.

"He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 31 July.

"Media and the public are strongly reminded that this is an active case.

"Nothing should be published, including on social media, which could prejudice future court proceedings."

If found guilty the offences could see Edwards jailed for up to 10 years.

The BBC announced the presenter's departure in April this year in a short statement.

It read: "Huw Edwards has resigned and left the BBC.

"After 40 years of service, Huw explained that his decision was made on the basis of advice. The BBC has accepted his resignation."

In the annual publishing of the corporation's salary report last week, it was revealed Edwards was the third-highest earner between April 2023 to March 2024.

During this period he brought home between £475,000 and £479,999, only being topped by Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball.

Edwards joined the BBC in 1984 and climbed the ranks until in January 2003 when he became the main presenter of BBC One's Ten O'Clock News.

The award-winning presenter led the BBC's coverage of the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: "Huw Edwards, 62, of South West London, has been charged with three offences of making indecent images of children.

"The CPS authorised the charges after a Metropolitan Police investigation.

"Mr Edwards will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 31 July 2024.