Crime & Safety
What happened to presenter Huw Edwards and where is he now?
However, the downfall of the Welsh presenter came after a national newspaper reported that “a top BBC star” had paid a teenager for sexual images.
Days later, Edwards’ wife named him as the presenter, and he later resigned from the BBC and was charged in June 2024 following a Metropolitan Police investigation.
Now, a Channel 5 drama titled Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, starring Martin Clunes, will air, focusing on how a young, vulnerable man, played by Osian Morgan, came into contact with one of the most powerful figures in television.
What did Huw Edwards do?
Huw Edwards was a notable news presenter, having been the lead presenter of BBC News at Ten from 2003 to 2023.
During his time at the BBC, he presented on BBC News at Six, BBC News at One, BBC Weekend News, Daily Politics and the international news channel BBC World News.
Edwards covered the 2019 General Election and major royal events, such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the coronation of Charles III and Camilla the following year.
The Welsh broadcaster was one of the BBC’s highest-paid presenters.
In 2023, Edwards was accused of sexual misconduct, with reports saying he paid a teenager for sexual images.
He was suspended by the BBC following the allegations, and the South Wales Police and the Metropolitan Police found no evidence of criminal conduct.
Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children (Image: Aaron Chown/PA)
Edwards was hospitalised with depression shortly afterwards and resigned in April 2024.
In June 2024, Edwards was charged with three counts of making indecent images of children.
In July, he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children by receiving them during online chats and, in September, was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and placed on the sex offenders’ register.
The new Channel 5 show is a two-part drama that will “explore the newsreader’s double life as it spirals out of control, leading to his exit from public life following his conviction for making indecent images of children”.
Martin Clunes will play Edwards, with the factual drama based on first-hand interviews with those at the heart of the story, and many of the text messages between Edwards and the young man.
Where is Huw Edwards now?
Reports suggest Edwards is living a reclusive life in South Wales, staying at his mother’s bungalow following his conviction.
Edwards and his wife, Vicky Flind, lived in a home in Dulwich, London, which went up for sale after the scandal.
In July 2024, it was reported that Edwards and Flind had separated some time ago and that Edwards had been living elsewhere.
Flind reportedly filed for divorce after Edwards’ sentencing, with the home going on the market as part of the proceedings.
Edwards will remain on the sex offenders register for another five years, which is not a public list but a monitoring systen,
He can travel and go abroad, but must provide the police with prior notice.
He broke his silence on the upcoming Channel 5 drama this week, saying in a damning statement: “[They] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production.
“They belatedly asked for a response after the drama had been made, while reserving the right to edit any such response.
“They also refused to disclose whether any of those making allegations had been paid for their contributions.
“Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened.”
He continued: “My deep regret and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court.
“In pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, I took full responsibility for my reprehensible actions.
“I am making an effort to produce my own account of these terrible events.
“This is a slow process, given the fragile state of my health. have been open about my struggle with persistent mental illness over a period of 25 years.
“What is less well known is the severity of that condition, which was managed successfully until the downward spiral which led to an appalling outcome.”
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A 5 spokesperson said in response: “Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, the journalists who revealed his story, text exchanges between the victim and Edwards, and court reporting.
“It has been produced in accordance with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.
“All allegations made in the film were put to Huw Edwards via his solicitors six weeks before transmission.”
Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards airs on Channel 5 on Tuesday, March 24 at 9pm.
Will you be watching the new Channel 5 show when it airs? Let us know in the comments.
Crime & Safety
Royal Mint Beatrix Potter 50p coins listed for more than £40k
The collection of seven coins, featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy Winkle, is currently up for sale on eBay.
Despite millions of Peter Rabbit-themed coins being produced, certain versions can attract significant interest online — especially those that are in pristine condition or from limited releases.
Beatrix Potter gold proof coins, like the 2020 Peter Rabbit Gold Proof 50p and the 2016 UK 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter 50p Gold Proof, are especially in demand.
Dealers generally value them between £1,800 and £2,200.
These gold proof coins are significantly more expensive than the ordinary silver proof or the brilliant uncirculated ones, which typically retail for under a few hundred pounds.
Factors such as the number of coins minted, their condition, market demand, and any minting errors influence a coin’s price.
While some coins have managed to secure substantial amounts online, experts suggest collectors focus on recently sold prices, rather than current asking prices.
Professional appraisals are also recommended to accurately determine a coin’s worth.
The Royal Mint has previously said that while some coins can be valuable, many listings reflect sellers’ expectations rather than guaranteed market value.
The Beatrix Potter collection has become one of the most sought-after series among UK coin collectors in recent years.
In summation, while a Beatrix Potter-themed 50p coin may sometimes be worth a substantial amount, various factors significantly influence its market value.
Prospective buyers and collectors are encouraged to stay informed and cautious when participating in online auctions and trades.
Crime & Safety
Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner triumph over neighbours
The married Spice Girl and former F1 boss live at the Oxfordshire border with Northamptonshire and have been locked in a number of planning battles with neighbours.
Most recently this has been over plans for a horse walker at her stables.
The celebrity pair own a horse racing company called OMBI and have built new stables for 14 horses at their Oxfordshire pad.
READ MORE: David Beckham’s new home plans condemned by neighbour as Blackpool-esque
They have employed a full-time trainer, and their horses are all named after Geri’s solo career hits.
But plans for the walker on land adjacent to their main home were met with anger by neighbours – with a number of objections registered with West Northamptonshire District Council.
Among the concerns were over the height of the building and visual impact, inadequate screening, lighting, and lack of a storage relocation plan.
Grade II listed former vicarage, home to Geri and Christian Horner (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
But planning official Forrest Childs approved the application on Thursday, March 26.
He said in his decision notice that development of this nature in the open countryside “can be acceptable in principle where it supports an existing rural enterprise and does not result in unacceptable harm to the character of the area”.
Mr Childs added: “Given that the site already operates as an established equestrian holding, and the proposed horse walker represents a functional and proportionate addition to support the existing use, the principle of development is considered acceptable.”
Grade II listed former vicarage, home to Geri and Christian Horner (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
The scheme is the latest in a number of planning rows between the couple and their neighbours.
They were recently given approval to keep a pergola that had been built without planning permission.
Last year they were also granted planning permission to build a second pool on the grounds despite fears that it would be a ‘blot on the landscape.’
One anonymous neighbour, who objected to the horse walker plans said: “Whilst we do not object to the principle of a horse walker to support the private equestrian use of the adjacent equestrian barn and other equestrian activities, we object to the plans as currently presented.”
READ MORE: Michelin recommended village pub up for £545,000 sale amid major price drop
In a statement on behalf of Geri and Christian Horner, a planning agent said the structure “will be largely screened from all angles once the existing new hedging matures”.
The applicant also referenced DEFRA’s code of practice for the welfare of horses.
The planning agent added: “It states that animals must be given freedom to exercise off the tether for a reasonable period at least once a day.
“The installation of the horse walker will ensure that this is possible.”
Crime & Safety
Banbury makes bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028
Cherwell District Council is working alongside Banbury Town Council and the Quays Consortium to prepare a formal expression of interest for the new national competition, which aims to celebrate the cultural and heritage contributions of towns across the country.
David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “I’m proud to confirm that alongside our partners we will be submitting an expression of interest for Banbury to be recognised as the UK Town of Culture 2028.
“This competition is our opportunity to show the rich, diverse and historic heritage that makes Banbury so special and unique, and to leave a lasting legacy for the future.
“From our outdoor market, thriving community initiatives, popular festivals, grassroots arts and wellbeing projects, to youth sporting programmes, culture is already at the heart of Banbury, and this bid will help us shine a spotlight on the town, its people and its stories.”
The UK Town of Culture 2028 winner will receive £3 million to deliver a six-month programme of cultural events and activities.
Banbury’s expression of interest will showcase its distinct identity and outline how the programme could broaden resident engagement, increase access to arts and heritage, and involve communities in shaping the design and legacy of the programme.
The council is engaging with partners such as Banbury Museum, The Mill Arts Centre, cultural organisations, businesses, and community groups to strengthen the bid and realise the town’s cultural ambitions.
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