Monday, September 9, 2024

Huw Edwards: Disgraced BBC presenter could lose Eisteddfod honour

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Huw Edwards could be expelled from the Gorsedd of the Bards when it meets next week.

Once the BBC’s most senior news presenter, Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children on Wednesday.

Gorsedd Recorder Christine James told BBC Wales in a statement: “The Gorsedd does not have a process or a specific mechanism to expel members.”

She confirmed the matter would be discussed when the Gorsedd’s board meets at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on Tuesday.

Every year the Gorsedd inducts new members who have contributed to Welsh life.

This is one of the major events of the National Eisteddfod – the week-long annual Welsh language cultural festival, that includes competitions in music, dance and literature, and attracts around 160,000 visitors every year.

It takes place in a different location in Wales each year.

Edwards was inducted at the Eisteddfod in Tregaron, Ceredigion, in 2022.

He admitted having 41 indecent images of children, which had been sent to him by another man on WhatsApp, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday.

They included seven category A images, the most serious classification – two of which showed a child aged between about seven and nine.

Until last year, Edwards was one of the main presenters on BBC One’s News at Ten and often fronted coverage of major national events.

He was arrested last November and charged last month and is due to be sentenced on 16 September.

If you are affected by any of the issues in this story, the BBC Action Line has information about services that can provide support and advice.

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