Formerly one of the most recognisable and trusted faces on TV, Huw Edwards’ life now is a far cry from what it once was.
The former BBC newsreader has now been seen for the first time after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children and narrowly avoiding jail. Onlookers who saw Edwards as he puffed on a vape in his native Wales said he appeared to be “a shadow of his former, super-confident self”.
Five months ago, Edwards, 63, was given six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to having made seven Category A indecent images of children – the worst type – as well as 12 Category B, and 22 Category C images.
In a case that shocked the country to its core, Westminster Magistrates Court heard disturbing details of Edwards’ communications with convicted paedophile Alex Williams who, between the years 2018 and 2021, sent the once well-regarded journalist indecent images of children – including two videos of a boy believed to be between the ages of seven and nine years old.
Although father-of-five Edwards managed to evade prison, his diminished life now is barely recognisable to the one he enjoyed at the height of his powers as a broadcaster. Chartered Security Professional James Bore has previously told the Mirror what Edwards’ life likely looks like now, as he moves forward with his marriage, career and public reputation ‘in tatters’…
Puffing on vapes
The disgraced presenter ‘didn’t look in the best shape’ according to those who spotted him out in Wales for the first time in public since his sentencing. Images obtained by The Sun show a frowning Edwards puffing on a vape. He wore a navy diamond quilted jacket paired with BOSS denim jeans and his face was dotted with grey stubble – a very different look to the clean-shaven broadcaster BBC News viewers once trusted.
Speaking to the publication, an onlooker said: “He looked a shadow of his former, super-confident self — but there was no mistaking it was him. He was vaping and coughing and spluttering a bit, and didn’t look in the best shape. But he was lucky to be enjoying his freedom when most people think he should have been jailed for what he did.”
Plush hospital stay
At sentencing, Edwards’ mental health difficulties, which include a major depressive disorder, were regarded as a mitigating factor in the case. The court heard how Edwards would be ‘particularly vulnerable in the prison population’, where he would be at ‘considerable risk of harm by others’ and his ‘suicide risk would be high’.
Edwards was an inpatient at the swish Nightingale Hospital prior to his sentencing – the only private adult mental health hospital in Central London. The hospital, located in upmarket Marylebone, deals with a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), stress, and bipolar; as well as addictions and eating disorders.
One patient who reportedly stayed at the Nightingale in 2022, posted a clip of her life inside the facility, which was signed off by the hospital. Some of her followers referred to the hospital as a ‘resort’, after seeing luxuries such as a cinema room, state-of-the-art gym and comfortable ensuite bathrooms, with patients enjoying yoga sessions and chocolate pots for dessert.
Addressing such comments, the patient insisted the mental health care was ‘extremely high level’ urging people commenting on the hospital’s plush interiors not to ‘diminish’ the Nightingale’s ‘excellent work’.
Sex offender programme
Under the terms of his sentence, Edwards was required to complete a 40-day Sex Offender Treatment Programme plus 25 rehabilitation sessions aimed at helping him address his mental health issues and alcohol use.
Outlining the purpose of Sex Offender Treatment Programmes, Bore, who is an expert in prison security, said: “Programmes vary, but they’re all intended as psychological intervention programs (similar to addiction programs). They are targeted at people at risk of reoffending, with the aim to prevent reoffenses.”
According to the HM Inspectorate of Probation, it’s been found that sexual offender treatment programmes have a moderate beneficial effect when it comes to sexual reoffending and work best in community and hospital settings. Programmes based upon cognitive-behavioural therapy were found to be most effective when reducing sexual and violent – but not general – reoffending among offenders.
Monitored life
Edwards was given a suspended sentence, meaning that he wouldn’t immediately go to prison – and will have to keep out of any trouble with the law for the duration. Should Edwards breaks the law again within this time frame, he’ll likely have to serve out the original sentence, plus an additional sentence for the most recent offence.
As per the Sentencing Council, an individual may be granted a suspended sentence if they show genuine remorse, admit to their offences in a police interview, or are ready to cooperate with law enforcement. In the event of an immediate sentence, it’s likely Edwards would have been locked up in HMP Wandsworth or HMP Brixton as a holding place.
According to Bore: “The monitoring is more about online, the rest is about regular check-ins to make monitoring or checking on his behaviour straightforward if required – and act as a deterrent. These restrictions will be for seven to 10 years with a six month sentence. Seven for six months or less as an adult, 10 for six months or more as an adult.”
Edwards will also be on the sex offender register for the next seven years – meaning he will have to keep police informed of his whereabouts. This will make foreign travel difficult, and some countries may not even permit him to cross their border. Police will also need information about passports or any other identity documents, as well as identity details and any changes to them.
He will also need to inform police of any addresses he’s staying at for more than seven days in a 12-month period, and will need to alert them if he’s in a house with a child under the age of 18 for more then 12 hours. Should Edwards find himself without a place of regular residence, then he’ll need to check in with police every single week.
When it comes to personal banking, Edwards will need to notify officers of bank and credit card details, making them aware of any changes within three days. As explained by Bore: “These are monitored more actively for use to pay for access to Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM).”
Dismal work prospects
Edwards, who first joined the BBC as a trainee in 1984, was once the corporation’s top-earning newsreader, earning between £475,000 and £479,999 for the fiscal year 2023/24, as per the BBC’s most recent annual report.
Even after his arrest in November 2023, Edwards continued to be paid by the BBC right up until his resignation five months later. The BBC has since stated that it is now demanding Edwards pay back his salary for that period. Edwards’ once-lauded journalism career is now over, and, as a registered sex offender, his employment prospects have narrowed considerably.
Outlining the obstacles Edwards now faces if he seeks employment, Bore explained: “Anything involving contact with children as part of the role requires a CRB check, and he will fail any of these. For any other role involving a CRB, it will be up to the organisation to decide whether or not it would affect his work. Any job without a CRB check won’t be informed, but given he is well known it’s likely that the impact on any potential work will be much, much greater than just roles that involve a CRB check as part of their recruitment process.”
Edwards is estimated to be worth somewhere in the realm of £2.4 million and £3.8 million. As well as his sizeable BBC salary, Edwards’ lucrative book deals have brought in the cash, with the former journalist having penned titles including Capelli Llanelli: Our Rich Heritage and City Mission: The Story of London’s Welsh Chapels. He’s also presented award shows such as the BAFTA Cymru Awards and has also produced documentaries including The Prince and the Plotter.
Edwards’ former employer has made it clear that the door is now firmly closed. Speaking at the Royal Television Society (RTS) London conference, BBC director-general Tim Davie stated that he ‘can’t see’ Edwards working for the corporation ever again after the former presenter admitted to his ‘appalling crimes’.
Noting that the BBC’s reputation had been impacted, Mr Davie said: “There’s no doubt that an affair like this impacts our reputation, and I don’t know yet in terms of just the direct impact on trust.”
Hopes of volunteering
In the pre-sentence report, Consultant Psychiatrist & Neuropsychiatrist Michael Isaac indicated that Edwards now hopes to dedicate time to volunteering. Mr Isaac wrote: “He has stated his willingness to engage with the Probation Service to undertake planned intervention to reduce the likelihood of further offending.
“In addition, he has indicated that he would welcome further assistance in developing his future plans, particularly in the area of vocational or volunteering endeavours which he is mindful will need to be managed alongside restrictions placed upon him.
“Ensuring that Mr Edwards is able to develop pro-social activities in the future which provide him with a sense of purpose and social investment will be important protective factors alongside development of his internal behaviour controls.”
However, finding a volunteering position may prove difficult for somebody with Edwards’ record. Bore said: “Many volunteering roles do require CRB checks, so this is likely to affect these as well and restrict him from volunteering. There may be some, including volunteering in charities or organisations dedicated towards preventing offending and reoffending, where he will have the opportunity to contribute.”
Wife ‘put through hell’
At the time of his trial, it appeared that Edwards, who arrived at court wearing his wedding ring, could have still be holding out hope for his marriage with wife Vicky Flind. During sentencing, Prosecutor Ian Hope made reference to Edwards ‘re-establishing his marriage’.
Edwards also issued an apology through his barrister, acknowledging how ‘he has hurt and he has damaged his family’. Philip Evans KC told the court: “He knows he has hurt and he has damaged his family and his loved ones around him. For all of this, he is truly sorry and he is truly sorry he has committed these offences.”
At the point of setencing, Edwards and Vicky had separated, with Edwards, who shares five adult children with Vicky, reportedly having moved out of their family home in Dulwich, south London. A source told The Sun: “They separated quite a long time ago but have not announced it publicly. Huw has been living elsewhere for a while.”
In the pre-sentence report, Mr Isaac shed some light on how Edwards and Vicky’s relationship had ‘deteriorated’. He explained: “At the time of the offences and over a period of two to three years, Mr Edwards described a deterioration in the relationship.
“His wife was experiencing high levels of stress as her mother was nearing end of life and the couple became increasingly distant from one another. Mr Edwards recognises that he was also detached and ‘not present’ at a time when she needed his support. Despite having previously been very close, he recalls this period as the most difficult part of their marriage and their levels of intimacy had significantly decreased.”
Back in October, it was reported that Vicky had filed for divorce, after having been put “through hell” by her husband of 30 years. A source told the Sun: “Vicky had enough of Edwards a long time ago but this is the final nail in the coffin of their relationship. He’s put her and their family through hell, so this was inevitable. Unsurprisingly, they separated a long time ago and Edwards has been living elsewhere, but it is now official.
They added: “Vicky is not talking to him and they now only communicate via lawyers.” The news came mere hours after reports that Edwards had put his £4.75 million home in London up for sale. He and Vicky had purchased the property in 2006 for £1.85 million.
Net worth and salary controversy
Before stepping down due to health concerns in April, Edwards, who first joined the BBC as a trainee in 1984, was the corporation’s top-earning newsreader, earning between £475,000 and £479,999 for the fiscal year 2023/24, as per the BBC’s annual report.
Following his arrest in November 2023, Edwards continued to be paid by the BBC until his resignation five months later. But last summer, the BBC called for the disgraced star to pay back his earnings for that period.
In a scathing statement, the BBC said: “Today, the Board has authorised the Executive to seek the return of salary paid to Mr Edwards from the time he was arrested in November last year. Mr Edwards pleaded guilty to an appalling crime. Had he been up front when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money. He has clearly undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute.
“Whilst the nature of the charges against Mr Edwards is related to his own personal life, the Board believes these events have also put a spotlight on the question of power imbalances in the workplace. We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate workplace behaviour, particularly in creative and editorial environments. Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards.”
But it appears Edwards hasn’t yet paid back the £200,000. A source recently told The Sun: “The BBC have not had any money back, and there doesn’t look to be any sign of that changing.”
It’s estimated that Edwards is worth somewhere in the region of £2.4 million and £3.8 million. As well as his sizeable BBC salary, Edwards has also enjoyed lucrative book deals, having written Capelli Llanelli: Our Rich Heritage and City Mission: The Story of London’s Welsh Chapels. On top of this, Edwards has presented award shows such as the BAFTA Cymru Awards and has also produced documentaries including The Prince and the Plotter.
Reputation ‘in tatters’
Before his grim offences came to light, Huw Edwards was a well-thought-of newsreader regarded by many as a National Treasure. Now he’ll have to navigate a new reality where his reputation is ‘in tatters’.
Following sentencing, Judge Goldspring advised Edwards that his “long-earned reputation is in tatters”, adding: “Perhaps it does not need saying but you are of previous good character”.
Judge Goldspring proceeded to state that he accepts Edwards had previously been regarded as having ‘exemplary’ good character ‘having enjoyed a very successful career in the media’. Describing Edwards as ‘perhaps the most recognisable newsreader-journalist’, the judge continued: “It’s obvious that until now you were very highly regarded by the public. It is not an exaggeration to say your long-earned reputation is in tatters.”
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If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999