Seven of the unlawful photographs have been of probably the most severe class, prosecutor Ian Hope stated, and each of these movies have been marked as “learn” on WhatsApp. In response to the second video, Edwards requested the person sending them: “Any extra?”
The offence of constructing indecent photographs of youngsters pertains to the photographs that have been despatched to Edwards. Prosecutors didn’t allege Edwards had actually made the photographs in query.
His lawyer Philip Evans stated Edwards was on the time of the offending struggling along with his psychological and bodily well being and he had no reminiscence of truly viewing any specific photographs.
“He did not use them for any private gratification and he did not acquire any gratification from these indecent photographs,” Evans stated.
Edwards’ was “profoundly sorry”, he added.
“He recognises the repugnant nature of such indecent photographs and the damage that’s completed to those that seem in such photographs.”
Claire Brinton of the Crown Prosecution Service stated in a press release: “Accessing indecent photographs of youngsters perpetuates the sexual exploitation of them, which has deep, long-lasting trauma for these victims.”
The choose stated that Edwards’ repute was now “in tatters”, however that the non-public affect on Edwards was “the pure consequence of your behaviour which you introduced on your self”.
A BBC spokesperson stated: “We’re appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed not simply the BBC, however audiences who put their belief in him.”
