Timothy Schofield, TV anchor Phillip Schofield’s paedophile brother, was fired from his police post three weeks after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a juvenile child.
Timothy Schofield, a civilian police officer, told the jury in court that he had seen pornography with the youngster, who he claimed was over the age of 16 at the time.
He admitted to having se.x activities while sitting apart, but denied having sexual acts with the adolescent. He was, nonetheless, convicted of 11 se.x offenses against children.
Today Avon and Somerset Police announced Schofield has been sacked following a misconduct hearing yesterday.
Schofield, from Bath, had worked in IT services at the heart of the organisation in the force’s headquarters in Portishead.
ACC Will White, in outlining the findings of the panel, said: ‘Timothy Schofield committed a series of manipulative and exploitative offences against someone in a position of vulnerability. The details and impact of his criminality were distressing to read for the panel, as they would be for members of the public.
‘The panel is grateful for the courage shown by the victim and all those who provided information and evidence to the investigation team, which resulted in him being brought to justice for these abhorrent crimes.
‘Timothy Schofield’s position as a member of a police organisation makes his responsibility all the greater in terms of his offending behaviour. The harm he’s caused has been serious and extensive.
‘His criminal conviction undermines the public’s trust and confidence in the police service and its employees who work tirelessly to build that trust, particularly at this time of national scrutiny.’
After the case, This Morning star Phillip, 61, said: ‘As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.’
Schofield was convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child, following a trial at Exeter Crown Court.
Phillip’s brother cited ‘mental health struggles’ as a reason for his actions, whilst he also accused the victim of ‘exaggerating’ what happened.
The IT worker was suspended in December 2021.
Detective Inspector 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.
‘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.’
An NSPCC spokesman said: ‘Child sexual abuse can have devastating and long-lasting impact on a person’s life and Timothy Schofield’s actions were deeply harmful.