Ex-BBC anchor Huw Edwards avoids jail over indecent child images
Huw Edwards has been ordered to attend a 40-day sex offenders' treatment programme along with 25 days of rehabilitation as part of his sentence.
The Welsh presenter resigned from the BBC in April on 'medical advice' after a 40-year career with the broadcaster. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
By EasternEyeSep 16, 2024
FORMER BBC anchor Huw Edwards, who pleaded guilty in July to three charges of making indecent images of children between December 2020 and August 2021, has avoided jail.
Despite facing a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, Edwards avoided prison and was instead sentenced to a 40-day sex offenders' treatment programme and 25 days of rehabilitation.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring, during the sentencing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, stated that Edwards would have faced "considerable harm" in prison, including a risk of suicide. Edwards, who appeared remorseful, sat in the dock with his hands clasped as the court heard the details of the case.
The court was told that Edwards had received 41 indecent images of children through WhatsApp from a convicted 25-year-old paedophile, with seven of the images being the most serious category. Most of the children involved were aged between 13 and 15, while one was between seven and nine years old. Despite the seriousness of the offences, the court decided not to impose an immediate custodial sentence.
Edwards has been ordered to attend a 40-day sex offenders' treatment programme along with 25 days of rehabilitation as part of his sentence. Defence lawyer Philip Evans told the court that Edwards accepted the "repugnant" nature of the images and was "profoundly sorry" for his actions, which had "betrayed so many people."
Edwards had faced a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. He was first arrested in November last year and charged in June, but the case was only revealed publicly in late July, just days before his court appearance.
The Welsh presenter resigned from the BBC in April on "medical advice" after a 40-year career with the broadcaster.
The taxpayer-funded BBC, which relies heavily on public trust, has admitted it was informed by police about the arrest and has faced criticism for continuing to pay Edwards a salary for six months afterwards.
"We are appalled by his crimes," a BBC spokesperson said after the sentencing. "He has betrayed not only the BBC but also the audiences who trusted him."
Claire Brinton of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that accessing indecent images of children "perpetuates their sexual exploitation, causing deep, long-lasting trauma for the victims."
Edwards, who began anchoring the BBC's flagship 10 pm news bulletin in 2003, was also known for covering significant events including the late Queen's funeral, Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton, and UK general elections.
His professional life began to unravel in July 2023 when he was suspended by the BBC following allegations in a tabloid newspaper that he had paid a young man for explicit images. While Edwards did not comment on the allegations, his wife issued a statement saying he was "suffering from serious mental health issues" and receiving "in-patient hospital care."
The police investigation into Edwards was initiated after a phone seized during an unrelated probe revealed his involvement in a WhatsApp conversation.
The BBC Board has said that Edwards brought the corporation into "disrepute" and that it has asked him to return his salary from the time he was arrested -- a sum of £200,000
Jannik Sinner beat Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4 to reach his second Wimbledon semi-final.
The world No. 1 showed no signs of elbow trouble, bouncing back after his previous injury scare.
Sinner was clinical on key points, breaking Shelton late in the second and third sets.
He extended his winning streak to 20 straight matches against American players.
The 23-year-old will now face Novak Djokovic in a rematch of the 2023 semi-final.
World number one Jannik Sinner shrugged off any doubts about his injured elbow to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the second time with a clinical defeat of powerful American 10th seed Ben Shelton on Wednesday.
A high-octane contest on a muggy Court One was decided by slender margins with Italian Sinner seizing the few opportunities that came his way in ruthless fashion for a 7-6(2) 6-4 6-4 victory.
The 23-year-old Sinner, bidding to become the first Italian to win Wimbledon, will face seven-times champion Novak Djokovic, the man he lost to in the 2023 semis, in the last four on Friday.
Sinner dropped two points on serve in the opening set but could make no impression on Shelton's booming delivery either before reeling off seven points to storm through the tiebreak.
Shelton continued slugging it out with the three-time Grand Slam champion but the American faltered at 4-5 in the second set, Sinner taking control as he converted just his second break point opportunity of the contest.
It was a repeat performance in the third set as Sinner applied the pressure in the 10th game and Shelton duly cracked, serving a double-fault before bashing a forehand long on match point after two hours and 19 minutes.
Sinner has now won an incredible 20 successive Tour-level matches against American players and his last 15 sets against Shelton who must be sick of the sight of him.
After Monday's lucky escape against Grigor Dimitrov who retired hurt when leading by two sets after Sinner had appeared to also suffer an elbow injury, this was business as usual for the man who has reached the last four Grand Slam semi-finals.
"Of course, the feelings are definitely different. I'm very, very happy about today's performance," Sinner said.
Sinner's suspect elbow was given a thorough test by the 140mph serving of Shelton, but apart from one moment in the second set he appeared untroubled by it.
"When you are in a match with a lot of tension, you try to not think about it," he said.
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The Royal Mail logo is seen on the side of a van as the UK government clear a 3.57 billion pound takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in London, December 16, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)
MEDIA regulator Ofcom has set new minimum delivery standards for Royal Mail and revised existing targets in an effort to reduce delays. It also announced a review into pricing and affordability, amid concerns over rising stamp prices.
Royal Mail, which has faced fines of around $20 million over the past two years for not meeting delivery targets, is currently trying to modernise operations and focus more on parcel deliveries.
“Urgent reform is needed for the universal service to survive,” Ofcom said in a statement. The regulator said the revised delivery goals could help Royal Mail save up to £425 million ($578.3 million).
Under the new rules, Royal Mail must ensure that 99 per cent of mail is delivered no more than two days late. Ofcom has also adjusted the targets for next-day and three-day deliveries. The target for First Class mail will now be 90 per cent delivered the next day, down from 93 per cent. For Second Class mail, the target has been lowered from 98.5 per cent to 95 per cent within three days.
From July 28, Royal Mail will be permitted to deliver Second Class letters on alternate weekdays, while still aiming to meet the three-working-day delivery target, Ofcom said.
“Our research suggests that affordability and reliability are more important to people than speed of delivery, but they value having a next-day service available for when they need to send the occasional urgent item,” the regulator said.
Ofcom said it would launch a consultation on its pricing and affordability review next year.
In response to the announcement, Martin Seidenberg, Group CEO of Royal Mail’s parent company International Distribution Services, said the company welcomed the new measures.
“It is good news for customers across the UK as it supports the delivery of a reliable, efficient and financially sustainable universal service,” he said in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Hugh Grant wearing sunglasses naps behind Queen Camilla during the quarterfinal
Hugh Grant was spotted napping during the Djokovic vs Cobolli quarter-final at Wimbledon 2025.
The actor sat in the Royal Box just behind Queen Camilla and her sister.
Social media erupted with memes, jokes, and criticism, calling it the “£700 (₹74,200) nap.”
Novak Djokovic made history in the match, advancing to his record-breaking 14th Wimbledon semi-final.
British actor Hugh Grant unexpectedly stole attention from Wimbledon 2025’s quarter-finals, not for a performance, but for taking a mid-match nap. The 64-year-old was captured on camera dozing off in the Royal Box on Wednesday, 9 July, during Novak Djokovic’s high-stakes match against Flavio Cobolli.
Wearing dark sunglasses and seated next to his wife, Anna Elisabet Eberstein, Grant leaned into a deep slouch with his hands in his lap. What made the moment even more of a social media spectacle was his location, just behind Queen Camilla and her sister, Annabel Elliot.
Hugh Grant and wife Anna Eberstein seated in the Royal Box at Centre CourtGetty Images
Fans call it the ‘£700 nap’ as Hugh Grant goes viral
While Wimbledon is known for its A-list guest list, few moments have gone as viral as Grant’s sleepy slump. Social media platforms lit up with reactions, some amused, others annoyed.
“Not convinced Hugh Grant is awake,” quipped one user on X, alongside a screenshot from the live broadcast. Another joked, “It’s the most expensive nap in human history.” Yet another user chimed in, “There are fans who queue since 3 am to get into Wimbledon, and Hugh Grant slept through a tiebreak!”
One of the more popular memes labelled it the “£700 (₹74,200) nap,” referencing the estimated cost of premium Wimbledon access. The BBC Sport account cheekily joined in, tweeting: “It’s all got a bit too much for Hugh Grant.”
— (@)
Hugh Grant chats with Queen Camilla moments before dozing off
Before nodding off, Grant had been seen animatedly chatting with Queen Camilla and her sister. The trio shared smiles in the Royal Box, basking in the summer sun. The sudden shift from conversation to shut-eye added fuel to online jokes, with some playfully nicknaming the moment “Nodding Hill.”
— (@)
Despite the sleepy slip-up, other attendees, including Cate Blanchett, Joe Alwyn, and Glen Powell, managed to stay fully alert during the tense match.
Djokovic defeats Cobolli to set new Wimbledon semi-final record
The match Grant slept through was far from dull. Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic bounced back after losing the first set to beat Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in four sets: 6-7 (8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. With this victory, Djokovic reached his 14th Wimbledon semi-final, surpassing Roger Federer’s record.
“Obviously, my body is not the same today like it was before,” Djokovic said after the match. “The real impact or effect of what happened, I will feel tomorrow.”
The 38-year-old tennis legend now faces Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, a rematch that tennis fans have been eagerly anticipating. Sinner has defeated Djokovic in their last four meetings, including the 2025 Roland Garros semi-final and the 2024 Australian Open.
— (@)
Reactions mixed: Some say it’s relatable, others find it disrespectful
Not everyone found Hugh Grant’s nap disrespectful. Some social media users found the moment charming, saying, “Finally, someone real,” and “When you’re old and rich, you can sleep wherever you want.” Others joked, “We usually sleep during his movies too.”
— (@)
Still, there was underlying criticism. “Why even bother showing up if you’re just going to sleep through it?” one fan asked. Wimbledon’s Royal Box access is limited and highly coveted, granted via invitation from the All England Club’s chair and affiliated bodies.
— (@)
Though brief, Grant’s nap became one of the day’s biggest talking points, overshadowing even a record-breaking Grand Slam performance.
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Djokovic dusted himself off and served out the victory
Djokovic beats Cobolli in four sets to reach last four
Serbian, seeking 25th Grand Slam title, next faces Sinner
Djokovic reaches record 14th Wimbledon singles semi-final
Novak Djokovic was given an early scare but continued his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy and standalone 25th Grand Slam title by beating Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-7(6) 6-2 7-5 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals.
The 38-year-old's fightback helped him reach a record 14th singles semi-final at the All England Club, where he will face top seed Jannik Sinner, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or Taylor Fritz awaiting in the title clash.
"A lot of numbers, a lot of numbers in the head," Serbian Djokovic said.
"Wimbledon was, is, and always will be the most special tournament that we have in our sport, at least in my opinion and I think in many players' opinion. It means the world to me that I'm still able at 38 to play in the final stages of Wimbledon.
"Another thing that makes me feel very young is competing with youngsters, Cobolli today ... I enjoy sliding and running around the court with him and all the other guys.
"I'm going to have Sinner next so I look forward to that. It's going to be a great match."
Cobolli, the 22nd seed, showed tremendous mental fortitude to recover a break after going 3-5 down in the first set, which he edged in a tiebreak by letting rip blistering winners from his orange-framed racket to draw loud cheers on Centre Court.
"I have to say huge congratulations to Flavio for an amazing tournament, but also a great battle today," Djokovic added.
"Great performance from him ... He played at a really high level. I think what surprised me a lot is his serve."
Former Roma youth soccer player Cobolli, who switched to tennis after watching Djokovic, was given a masterclass in the next set, however, and his idol broke for a 6-5 lead thanks to a slew of errors before tightening his grip on the contest.
With his thinking cap on in fading sunlight, Djokovic earned break points early in the fourth set with vintage tennis but was hitting his shoe with his racket after wasting them, before he fell to the ground with the finish line in sight.
Djokovic dusted himself off and served out the victory to go past Roger Federer's semi-finals record at the All England Club and reach a record-extending 52nd Grand Slam semi-final.
I had a nasty slip. But that's what happens when you play on grass," Djokovic said.
"It did come at an awkward moment, but I managed to find a good serve and close it out."
Reuters
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After years of nightmare outings at the spiritual home of lawn tennis,
Swiatek completes full set of Grand Slam semi-final appearances
Polish eighth seed will meet Bencic in last four
Swiatek extends record over Samsonova to 5-0
The balls kept on listening to Iga Swiatek on Wednesday as the Polish eighth seed walloped Liudmila Samsonova 6-2 7-5 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.
After years of nightmare outings at the spiritual home of lawn tennis, Swiatek appears to have finally conquered her grasscourt demons as she said the "ball has been really listening" to her at Wimbledon this year.
That was certainly in evidence on Wednesday as from the moment Swiatek launched into a 105mph ace to save break point in the opening game, the ball dutifully obeyed the Pole as winner after winner flew off her racket.
"Honestly, it feels great. I have goosebumps after this win. I am super happy and super proud of myself and I will keep going," a thrilled Swiatek told the crowd after setting up a semi-final showdown with unseeded Swiss Belinda Bencic.
"I really enjoy playing (on grass) this year and hopefully it is going to last as long as possible. I worked really hard to progress here on this surface."
From 2-2 in the first set, the five-times Grand Slam champion suffocated her Russian opponent on a hot and sticky Court One, winning seven games in a row with some ferocious forehands from the baseline that left Samsonova gasping for air.
There was simply no place to hide for Samsonova, who does not like discovering the identity of her opponents until the 11th hour, as Swiatek won all of her first serve points during the opening set.
Swiatek must have thought she would be back in her rented Wimbledon home before too long to tuck into her favourite dish -- pasta tossed with strawberries and yoghurt -- as she led 6-1 3-0.
However, Samsonova clung on for dear life despite surrendering her serve twice in the second set by misfiring double faults on break points.
The 19th seed, who was inspired to pick up a tennis racket after watching compatriot Maria Sharapova playing on TV, managed to break the Swiatek serve not once but twice to level the second set at 4-4.
The fightback failed to throw off Swiatek, however, as the Pole never dropped her incredible intensity and continued to threaten to take the racket out of her opponent's hand with the astonishing power she was generating from the baseline.
So loud was the thundering 'thwack' sound as her racket made contact with the ball that startled spectators were often jolted in their seats. It also unnerved Samsonova, whose Wimbledon hopes crumbled under 38 unforced and 16 forced errors.
Four games later it was all over as Swiatek skipped around the court in celebration after hitting a brutal service return winner to complete her full set of semi-final appearances at the four majors.
"Right now it's tough to understand what happened exactly," said Samsonova, whose bid to reach a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time ended in heartbreak as she succumbed to a fifth successive defeat to Swiatek.
"It's incredible what I have achieved, but right now I cannot feel it.
"Today Iga was at top level. Everyone knows that she's the one who I would love to beat. In the future, maybe...," she added as her voice trailed off.