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Huw Edwards today pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children, including one thought to be as young as seven years old - and commentator Paul Connew quickly tackled an awkward issue during BBC coverage of the event.
"It's obviously a grim day for the BBC, coming only a week or so after the annual report in which they had to talk about Huw Edwards' salary and the fact that he even got a payrise while he was off sick in the wake of the allegations against him," he exclaimed.
BBC presenter Samantha Simmonds quickly jumped in to say: "That's a separate issue," as the conversation turned awkward. Connew, a former newspaper and book editor, acknowledged: "It is a separate case indeed, not linked to the original story but obviously it's a very sensitive issue."
He pointed out that being found guilty of possessing a Category A image - the most serious type, involving children engaging in sexual activity - usually carries a prison sentence. "I suspect there would be an outcry if that didn't apply in Huw Edwards' case," he continued.
"His defence team are going to mitigate on the grounds of mental health," he added. The court had heard earlier that the former BBC newsreader was "not of good, but of exceptional character" and that the judge had ordered a probation report as an alternative to sentencing today as he wants to hear more about his health concerns and risk of re-offending.
The sentencing is expected to take place on September 16.
Meanwhile, Connew also described the scenes outside the court this morning, which had descended into chaos.
He revealed that "one cameraman had his equipment smashed to pieces in the scramble".
"It's a fall from grace from Huw Edwards who is now the subject of a major story rather than reporting it," he reflected.
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He added that Edwards "cut a strange figure as he strolled away from court surrounded by media", commenting on how he shielded his eyes from the public gaze with dark sunglasses.
Huw Edwards was recently revealed as one of the highest paid staff at the BBC, with an annual salary close to half a million pounds.
The annual report referenced by Connew concluded that he had been paid at least £475,000 between 2023 and 2024, despite being off air for a long period following the allegations emerging.
Further news of a £40,000 pay increase caused yet more fury, as taxpayers have urged him to "pay his wage back".
