Keir Starmer says he’s ‘shocked appalled’ by Huw Edwards courtroom case
Sir Keir Starmer today said he was ‘shocked and appalled’ by the Huw Edwards court case.
The PM expressed his disgust as he spoke to reporters on a visit to Italy this afternoon, after the former BBC star was handed a suspended sentence.
‘I’m really shocked in relation to the Huw Edwards case, really shocked and appalled, as I’m sure everybody who has read or looked at it is,’ Sir Keir said.
Edwards was earlier handed six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after admitting accessing indecent images of children as young as seven.
Asked what he thought of suspended sentences in such cases and whether he would consider a review, Sir Keir said: ‘As far as the sentence is concerned, I mean, that is for the court to decide, having looked at all the available evidence.
‘I have also been busy all day so I haven’t looked at it, and I’m not going to get into the business of commenting on court sentences. That is a matter for the court.
‘But was I shocked by what I have seen and heard? You bet I was.’
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his disgust as he spoke to reporters on a visit to Italy this afternoon, after Huw Edwards was handed a suspended sentence
A court sketch of Edwards in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court listening to his sentence
Edwards earlier stared down at the ground as he left court with his life in tatters after being sentenced for accessing sex abuse images of children.
The 63-year-old previously admitted three charges of ‘making’ indecent photographs after he was sent 41 illegal images by convicted paedophile Alex Williams over WhatsApp.
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Edwards held his hands together and leaned forward throughout his sentencing hearing.
He then let out a ‘small sigh’ as he was handed six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Edwards smiled broadly as he left the courtroom accompanied by a member of his legal team – carrying the same small suitcase he had brought with him, possibly in anticipation of being jailed.
He later walked onto the street with his legal team before being driven away in a black Mercedes.
A mugshot released of the presenter showed him staring at the camera – dead eyed and gaunt – with silver stubble across his face.
The court heard Edwards told Williams ‘go on’ when asked if he wanted ‘naughty pics and vids’ of somebody described as ‘yng (sic)’.
The court also heard Edwards paid Williams hundreds of pounds after he sent him pornographic images, but his defence barrister Philip Evans KC said the broadcaster did not make payments to Williams in order to receive indecent images of children.
A mugshot released of the presenter showed him staring at the camera – dead eyed and gaunt – with silver stubble across his face
The prosecution said Williams asked Edwards for a ‘Christmas gift after all the hot videos’.
Prosecutor Ian Hope said: ‘Alex Williams says he wants some Air Force 1 trainers that cost around £100, and Mr Edwards offers to send him £200.’
Of the indecent images he received, the estimated age of most of the children was between 13 and 15, but one was aged between seven and nine.
Defence barrister Philip Evans KC said Edwards was ‘truly sorry’ and ‘recognises the repugnant nature’ of the images sent to him.
The former BBC journalist claimed alcohol and the decline in his mental health played a part in the sick chats.
The BBC said following the sentencing: ‘We are appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him.’
