Alex Williams, the paedophile who sent disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards indecent images, can today be pictured for the first time. Williams, 25, shared 41 indecent images with Edwards, 62, in an abhorrent WhatsApp chat, leading to the broadcaster’s downfall after police found Edwards’ number on Williams’ phone.
Williams’ trove of abusive pictures included two showing a child as young as seven. Edwards, now facing legal consequences, was caught by chance during a police investigation into Williams. On Wednesday, Edwards pleaded guilty to making 41 indecent images of children and could face up to 10 years in prison.
Williams, shown here as a teenager on a family trip to a Welsh beauty spot, fled his family home in Wales shortly before his connection to Edwards was revealed. He is now in hiding.
Williams sent Edwards 377 images, 41 of which were indecent and formed the charges Edwards pleaded guilty to on Wednesday. Two images involved a child believed to be as young as seven, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.
Williams himself received a 12-month jail term suspended for two years in March after pleading guilty to seven offences related to possessing and distributing indecent images. His parents confirmed he is no longer living with them and denied knowledge of his offences.
Edwards’ offending came to light when police in South Wales found his number on Williams’ phone. The investigation was unrelated to allegations reported in July 2023 that Edwards had paid a teenager over £35,000 for sexual images.
Despite pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, experts say Edwards is unlikely to face prison. Prosecutor Ian Hope explained that Edwards’ conduct amounted to opening the images, treated as a form of possession. “There’s no suggestion that Mr. Edwards had anything to do with making the images or did anything beyond opening that image,” Hope said.
Edwards received and opened seven category A images, the most indecent, 12 category B, and 22 category C photos between December 2020 and August 2021.
Mitigating factors include Edwards’ early guilty plea, previous good character, mental health issues, and genuine remorse. Defence attorney Philip Evans KC emphasised that no further indecent material was found on Edwards’ devices, which he did not keep or distribute.
During the 26-minute hearing, Edwards, of Wandsworth in south-west London, confirmed his personal details and entered three guilty pleas. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring released Edwards on bail until September 16, with the possibility of transferring the case to Crown Court for a stiffer punishment.
The scandal has shocked the public and marked a significant fall from grace for the former Ten O’Clock News presenter, who
