…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Timothy Schofield, the brother of TV presenter Phillip Schofield, has been dismissed from his IT job at Avon and Somerset Police after being convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between 2016 and 2019.
The offences included two counts of sexual activity with a child.
Schofield was suspended from his job at police HQ in Portishead following his arrest and charges.
The Misconduct Hearing and Dismissal
Following his conviction, a misconduct hearing chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Will White dismissed Schofield without notice.
White stated that Schofield had committed manipulative and exploitative offences against someone vulnerable, which were distressing to read for the panel and members of the public.
Schofield’s position as a police worker made his offending behaviour more serious, and his criminal conviction undermined the public’s trust and confidence in the police service.
The Guilty Verdicts and Sentencing
Schofield was found guilty by a jury at Exeter Crown Court of all 11 charges, and his sentencing is due to take place in May.
During the trial, Schofield had claimed that he watched pornography with the boy, whom he believed was over the age of 16 at the time, and that they masturbated while sitting apart.
However, he denied performing sexual acts on the teenager.
The defendant had previously confessed to watching pornography with the complainant to his elder brother, Phillip Schofield.
The Response from Phillip Schofield
Phillip Schofield released a statement through his lawyer after the guilty verdict, expressing his concern for the victim and their family, and condemning the despicable crimes committed by his brother.
He stated that he would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family had his brother confessed any crime to him.
He also announced that he no longer considers Timothy Schofield to be his brother.
The case highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the serious consequences of committing sexual offences against children.
It also highlights the need for police workers to act with integrity and responsibility, given their crucial role in maintaining public trust and confidence in the police service.