Previously an impeccably groomed veteran of television – impeccably styled, polished, and camera-ready – Huw Edwards exhibited a markedly different demeanor in court today.
The 63-year-old ex-news anchor appeared fatigued and ashen as he entered Westminster Magistrates’ Court, wheeling a suitcase and accompanied by a team of legal advisors.
Although the bright lights and waiting photographers would typically signal a familiar environment, this occasion lacked the red carpet, tailored suit, or make-up artist to facilitate the former presenter’s entry into the venue.
Dressed in a buttoned navy blue cardigan paired with a white shirt sans tie, he projected a significantly altered persona from the Edwards the public recognizes from the nightly News At Ten.
It was difficult to reconcile this appearance with that of the BBC’s highest-earning news presenter, the individual who reported the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
The mugshot of Edwards, captured post-arrest in November and unveiled today, displayed an almost unrecognizable visage marked by stubble, dark circles under his eyes, a reddened complexion, and a small cut on his forehead.
Pic: Metropolitan Police
Impassive, prayer-like stance
The former vice chair of the National Churches Trust brought his hands to his mouth in a prayer-like position, paying close attention.
When requested to rise for the judge to pronounce his sentence, Edwards exhibited a rare moment of movement, tugging at the hem of his cardigan—a possibly unconscious gesture—revealing an anxiety he had managed to conceal until that point.
Once a television luminary, with his esteemed career and substantial salary now a distant memory, the judge assigned Edwards a six-month suspended sentence, remarking that he undoubtedly had “a lot to contemplate”.
Huw Edwards departing Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Pic: PA
Explore more stories from Sky News:
Ex-pro boxer sentenced for riots
Lib Dem deputy leader given four days to live
Body discovered in search for missing teenager
With that, Edwards stepped out into the media frenzy that awaited him outside.
Undoubtedly relieved to have evaded incarceration, he quickly slipped into a black Mercedes, which whisked him away from the flashing cameras and challenging journalists’ inquiries.
One can only aspire that this controversy will cast a light, not on Huw Edwards and the BBC, but rather on the unfortunate circumstances faced by the young victims who suffered abuse.
