Practically two million viewers tuned in to Channel 5’s Energy: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, with Martin Clunes portraying the disgraced BBC presenter
Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates’ Court docket, London, the place he was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment suspended for 2 years after pleading responsible to 3 counts of creating indecent pictures of kids. Image date: Monday September 16, 2024. PA Picture. The veteran broadcaster admitted three prices of “making” indecent pictures after he was despatched 41 unlawful pictures by convicted paedophile Alex Williams over WhatsApp. See PA story COURTS Edwards. Picture credit score ought to learn: Lucy North/PA Wire (Picture: PA)
Outraged viewers have condemned Huw Edwards’ “disgraceful” sentence following a disturbing TV drama detailing his crimes.
The disgraced broadcaster, 64, averted jail regardless of pleading responsible to 3 prices of creating indecent pictures of kids. His case was examined in Channel 5’s Energy: The Downfall of Huw Edwards on Tuesday night, wherein Martin Clunes portrayed the presenter.
The 90-minute programme depicted how Edwards groomed a teen, paying him for sexual pictures and movies. Following its broadcast, one viewer remarked: “First time in ages I flicked on terrestrial telly – and wow, it laid naked precisely what a monster he was.” One other encapsulated public fury by stating: “He must be watching this behind bars.” A 3rd viewer commented: “His sentence was disgraceful, contemplating what a sick creep he was.”
Practically two million people tuned in to observe Clunes, 64, depict the broadcaster, who led a vile double life. He obtained approval for his “compelling” and “career-defining” efficiency.
The programme confirmed Edwards sentenced to a six-month jail time period, suspended for 2 years. Viewers described the drama as compelling but additionally as “uncomfortable” because it uncovered the sick nature of Edwards’ crimes.
“I do not get why Huw is not in jail. He must pay for what he is performed. It is truth,” one viewer posted on X, previously generally known as Twitter.
One other on the platform acknowledged: “Watching Energy. Martin Clunes is superb but it surely’s very uncomfortable viewing. How did Huw Edwards escape jail?”
Katie Jones, a mom who considered the programme, posted on-line: “I watched just because I needed to know why NO jail time for EDWARDS. Was it cos he claimed to be affected by a psychological breakdown? It is a should watch – tough topic advised properly.”
A surprised viewer concurred: “He ought to have been jailed. He is a paedophile. He is not sorry.”
Edwards paid a troubled teenager 1000’s of kilos, which the lad spent on medicine. The teenager was portrayed by Emmerdale actor Osian Morgan. Osian, who additionally appeared in Waterloo Street in 2023, obtained approval for his efficiency within the distressing drama.
HUW EDWARDS (Martin Clunes) (Picture: ©5 Broadcasting Restricted / ©Wonderhood Studios / Photographer: Matt Towers / ©Wonderhood StudiosPress Enquiries: press@channel5)
Father-of-five Edwards was charged following the arrest of one other paedophile, Alex Williams, who had transmitted him 377 pictures by way of WhatsApp.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court docket heard the star, who was the lead presenter of BBC Information at Ten for 20 years, despatched 41 indecent pictures of kids, some depicting a sufferer aged between seven and 9.
Baby safety charities have condemned the sentencing.
Emma Hardy, of the Web Watch Basis, stated: “We should always remember youngsters are on the coronary heart of this story – youngsters who’ve suffered, and who are suffering once more every time imagery of them at their most susceptible is reshared.
Huw Edwards in N9 information studio for the Ten O clock information (Picture by Jeff Overs/BBC Information & Present Affairs by way of Getty Photographs) (Picture: BBC Information & Present Affairs by way of Getty Photographs)
“Maybe most worryingly, there’s nothing to cease this taking place once more.
“WhatsApp, and different apps which use the acute end-to-end type of encryption, are nonetheless failing to forestall the add of recognized baby sexual abuse imagery.
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“Whereas some platforms at the moment are selecting to not use this sort of encryption due to security fears, there stay entire swathes of the web the place this harmful and unlawful content material can nonetheless be shared undetected and unopposed.
“The instruments to assist cease the subsequent Huw Edwards are right here, they work, and they don’t affect on people’ privateness. It is time to use them.”
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