Huw Edwards can visit playgrounds and access several internet services despite pleading guilty to making indecent images of children.
The former BBC journalist received a six-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to three charges in July.
Critics have laid into the judge’s decision not to put Edwards behind bars with big names such as Elon Musk accusing the British justice system of having “misplaced priorities”.
Edwards, 53, could face prison if he commits any crimes in the next two years but at time of sentencing Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said the newsreader “does not pose a risk to people under the age of 18”.
Goldspring added that Edwards had shown “insight, shame and remorse”.
During a WhatsApp chat with convicted paedophile Alex Williams, between December 2020 and August 2021, Edwards was sent 377 sexual images, of which 41 were indecent images of children.
Seven of the 41 images were the most serious type – Category A.
Edwards pleaded guilty to charges of seven Category A, 12 Category B, and 22 Category C indecent images.
Goldspring declined to make Edwards the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order but said he would be on the Sexual Offenders’ Register for seven years.
Due to the decision not to be the subject of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order, Edwards has no restrictions on his phone or internet usage.
It means Edwards is able to leave the country, on the condition that he provides the police with seven days’ notice.
He can also visit a children’s playground and can contact Williams.
Former police detective Peter Bleksley laid into the lack of restrictions, calling the decision “offensive”.
Blexley told the Sun: “This demonstrates the shameful, pathetic, appalling sentences that paedophiles are receiving today.
“It’s offensive to all right-minded people who believe children are to be protected.
“For him to walk out virtually as free as you or I, is galling.
“It highlights the flaws in our crumbling, failing criminal justice system which saw no punishment for his appalling crimes.”
