News

Huw Edwards accused of grooming as young man speaks out

Published

4 months ago

August 3, 2024

THE YOUNG person at the centre of the original allegations against Huw Edwards has now come forward, stating that he feels “groomed” by the broadcaster.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror, the young man, who claims he was paid by Edwards to send sexually explicit pictures of himself when he was a teenager, accused the former newsreader of exploiting his vulnerability. The Metropolitan Police, however, found no evidence of criminal behaviour in that matter last year.

This week, the ex-BBC presenter pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children in a separate case.

The story first broke in July last year when The Sun newspaper reported on an unnamed young person’s alleged contact with Edwards. It published a claim by his mother that Edwards—then not publicly named—had paid her child tens of thousands of pounds for explicit photos over three years, beginning when they were 17.

Initially, The Sun referred to the individual as a “young person” without specifying a gender. A few days later, the lawyer representing the young person disputed the mother’s account, saying, “the allegations reported in the Sun newspaper are rubbish” and adding in a letter to the BBC that “nothing inappropriate or unlawful” had occurred.

In his new interview on Saturday, the young man described Edwards as “an A-class manipulator”. He revealed that he had first contacted Edwards, along with other celebrities, on social media when he became homeless. The 62-year-old sent him money before asking if there was anything he would do in return.

“Although it was a friendship at the beginning, it did change. He would say things like, ‘Are you going to do something for me then?’ I needed help, so I did,” he said. “I feel like he sort of fed on my vulnerability… as he knew I needed the money. I felt like I was being groomed.”

The young man claims he sent explicit messages and videos to Edwards, who allegedly sent £35,000 over two years in return. He noted, “Because of who he was as a BBC presenter and because he had such power… I felt like I trusted him and that he cared. But that’s how the manipulation started. I looked up to this man but he didn’t really care about me. I felt like he was taking advantage of me but I felt I had to listen to him because he was Huw Edwards.”

Despite initially staying silent to protect Edwards, the young man said he felt “sick” when he heard the news this week.

The Sun also published a video of Edwards allegedly waiting for the young man at a Welsh train station, filmed by the young man’s stepfather. The stepfather told the newspaper, “I was so angry. I just wanted to confront him and tell him to stop doing what he was doing.”

Edwards was suspended by the BBC in July last year. His wife later publicly named him as the TV presenter at the centre of the allegations. The young man revealed that Edwards texted him from an unknown number last October, a few weeks before his arrest, asking him to download the messaging app Signal to “catch up.”

Edwards has not commented on the claims and resigned from the BBC in April, citing medical advice. On Wednesday, he admitted to possessing 41 indecent images of children, which had been sent to him by another man on WhatsApp. These included seven category A images, the most serious classification, two of which depicted a child aged between seven and nine.

Police later revealed that the man who sent the images to Edwards was a convicted paedophile. Until last year, Edwards was one of the main presenters on BBC One’s News at Ten and often fronted coverage of major national events. He was charged last month and could now face a jail sentence. He will next appear in court on September 16 .

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

49 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

59 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

News

Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

Published

2 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.

Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.