A 54-year-old man from Bath has been found guilty of committing sexual offences against a child following a trial at Exeter Crown Court.
Timothy Schofield | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
Timothy Schofield, the brother of television presenter Phillip Schofield, was convicted of 11 offences.
Schofield is a member of civilian police staff based at Avon and Somerset Police’s Headquarters in Portishead.
He was suspended from duty in December 2021 while the criminal proceedings progressed. Now he has been convicted, a misconduct hearing will be held.
Police were first informed of the offences through a third party on 3rd December 2021.
An investigation was launched and the defendant was arrested on the same day.
Within 48 hours of the allegations being reported, he was charged with criminal offences to appear in court.
Schofield denied the charges against him, including three counts of causing a child to watch sexual activity, three of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, three of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and two of sexual activity with a child.
Senior Investigating Officer Det Insp Keith Smith said: “This defendant has exploited and abused the victim by carrying out a sickening series of offences over a significant period of time.
“The impact on the victim has been immense and they’ve shown incredible bravery in disclosing the crimes committed against them, and by supporting the subsequent police investigation throughout.
“We hope this outcome will provide some comfort and enable them to recover from the abuse they’ve had inflicted on them.
“Although the defendant does not work in a public-facing role, and the offences are not linked to his employment, we know the fact he works for the police will be a matter of public concern.
“Until these criminal allegations were reported in December 2021, there were no previous allegations or complaints made to the police against this defendant.
“Once reported, officers carried out a thorough investigation, building a file of evidence and speaking to a number of witnesses, resulting in the defendant being charged and subsequently convicted of serious offences.
“Misconduct proceedings can now recommence at pace, and the defendant is due to be sentenced on May 19 at Bristol Crown Court.
“While the majority of police officers, staff and volunteers dedicate themselves to public service and keeping our communities safe, we know the public’s trust and confidence in policing nationally has been damaged by recent incidents.
“To repair the damage these incidents have undoubtedly caused, we must take continue to take decisive action and be clear what standards we expect from our people.
“Where these standards are not met, we will take robust action to ensure those who let us all down cannot remain in policing.”
In a statement, Phillip Schofield said: “My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family. I hope that their privacy will now be respected.
“If any crime had ever been confessed to me by my brother, I would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family.
“These are despicable crimes, and I welcome the guilty verdicts. As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.”
Sentencing has been scheduled for Friday 19th May.
