Fury over Huw Edwards suspended sentence after Clunes | UK News

Outraged viewers have condemned Huw Edwards’ “disgraceful” sentence following a disturbing TV drama detailing his crimes.

The disgraced broadcaster, 64, prevented prison despite pleading guilty to three expenses of making indecent photographs of youngsters. His case was examined in Channel 5’s Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards on Tuesday night, in which Martin Clunes portrayed the presenter.

The 90-minute programme depicted how Edwards groomed a teenager, paying him for inappropriate pictures and videos. Following its broadcast, one viewer remarked: “First time in ages I flicked on terrestrial telly – and wow, it laid bare exactly what a monster he was.” Another encapsulated public fury by stating: “He should be watching this behind bars.” A 3rd viewer commented: “His sentence was disgraceful, considering what a sick creep he was.”

Nearly two million people tuned in to watch Clunes, 64, depict the broadcaster, who led a vile double life. He acquired acclaim for his “compelling” and “career-defining” efficiency.

The programme confirmed Edwards sentenced to a six-month prison time period, suspended for two years. Viewers described the drama as compelling but also as “uncomfortable” as it uncovered the sick nature of Edwards’ crimes.

“I don’t get why Huw isn’t in prison. He needs to pay for what he’s done. It’s fact,” one viewer posted on X, previously recognized as Twitter.

Another on the platform acknowledged: “Watching Power. Martin Clunes is excellent but it’s very uncomfortable viewing. How did Huw Edwards escape prison?”

Katie Jones, a mom who considered the programme, posted online: “I watched simply because I wanted to understand why NO jail time for EDWARDS. Was it cos he claimed to be suffering from a mental breakdown? It’s a must watch – difficult subject told well.”

A shocked viewer concurred: “He should have been jailed. He’s a paedophile. He’s not sorry.”

Edwards paid a troubled teenager 1000’s of kilos, which the lad spent on medication. The teen was portrayed by Emmerdale actor Osian Morgan. Osian, who also appeared in Waterloo Road in 2023, acquired acclaim for his efficiency in the distressing drama.

Father-of-five Edwards was charged following the arrest of another paedophile, Alex Williams, who had transmitted him 377 photographs via WhatsApp.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard the star, who was the lead presenter of BBC News at Ten for 20 years, despatched 41 indecent photographs of youngsters, some depicting a sufferer aged between seven and 9.

Child safety charities have condemned the sentencing.

Emma Hardy, of the Internet Watch Foundation, said: “We must never forget children are at the heart of this story – children who have suffered, and who suffer again each time imagery of them at their most vulnerable is reshared.

“Perhaps most worryingly, there’s nothing to stop this occurring again.

“WhatsApp, and other apps which use the extreme end-to-end form of encryption, are still failing to prevent the upload of known child inappropriate abuse imagery.

“While some platforms are now selecting not to use this sort of encryption because of security fears, there stay entire swathes of the web where this harmful and unlawful content can still be shared undetected and unopposed.

“The tools to help stop the next Huw Edwards are here, they work, and they do not impact on individuals’ privacy. It’s time to use them.”