Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards has been charged with making indecent images of children, the Metropolitan Police said.
The veteran broadcaster, 62, who left the corporation in April after he was accused of paying a teenager thousands of pounds for sexually explicit pictures., faces three charges over alleged activity between December 2020 and April 2022.
He is due in court on Wednesday.
According to the charge sheet, Edwards is accused of having six category A images, 12 category B pictures and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp.
The offences are contrary to sections 1(1)(a) and 6 of the Protection of Children Act 1978, and if found guilty, he could receive a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
A police spokesperson said: “Huw Edwards, 62, of Southwark, London, has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children following a Met Police investigation.
Huw Edwards has been charged with making indecent images of children, the Met said (Ian West/PA)
“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 November 8 2023. He was charged on Wednesday June 26 following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.
“He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday July 31.
“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.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article