Avon and Somerset Police has issued a statement after former member of staff Timothy Schofield, brother of Phillip Schofield, was jailed after sexually abusing a teenage boy. Schofield was found guilty of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child, at a trial at Exeter Crown Court.
Schofield is a former civilian staff member at Avon and Somerset Police, working at police headquarters in Portishead. In a statement read outside Bristol Crown Court after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer, Det Inp Keith Smith said Schofield's former colleagues were "horrified" by the offences committed.
DI Smith stressed no complaint about Schofield's conduct had been made before the offences were reported in 2021, but officers are on a "mission to root out" all who betray the standards and values of the force. He said Schofield was arrested within 48 hours of the initial report being made.
Read more: Timothy Schofield jailed for 'sickening offences' that left victim 'bitter and numb to life'
He went on to praise the victim for their "remarkable bravery" in coming forward. He said: "The victim in this case has shown remarkable bravery in disclosing the horrific offences committed against them, and their support of the police investigation and court process has been invaluable.
“We hope their courage and determination will encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and speak to the police, no matter how long ago the offences were committed. We want them to know they will be believed and respected, and we’ll always do our best to achieve justice for them."
Schofield, 54, was jailed for 12 years at Bristol Crown Court today following his conviction on April 3. The Honourable Mrs Justice Cutts sentenced Schofield at Bristol Crown Court today (May 19), jailing him for 12 years. She said: "Doing what you did you thought only of yourself. Only of yourself."
Schofield, 54, said during the trial he had watched pornography with the victim, whom he insisted was over the age of 16 at that time, and they had masturbated while sitting apart, but he denied performing sexual acts. He was found guilty on all counts on.
DI Smith added: "Although the offences Timothy Schofield committed were not connected to his employment, we know the fact he was a member of police staff will be of great concern to the public.
“It’s important to stress that before the allegations were made to the police in December 2021, there were no prior complaints or allegations made about this defendant, and his former colleagues have been horrified by the offences he’s now been convicted of.
“But, we want to be absolutely clear, we’re on a mission to root out all those who betray the standards and values we’re committed to uphold. The public must be able to trust police officers and staff, and protecting this bond of trust is our priority.
“Finally, we want to thank all those who supplied us with information and evidence in support of our investigation, which has ultimately enabled us to achieve justice for the victim in this case.”
The victim in this case, who is legally entitled to life-long anonymity, has approved the following extract of their victim impact statement to be released: “Before Tim was arrested, I felt I had no freedom. I often felt panic, stress and fear. I felt like I was trapped in a loop of fear and anxiety of the abuse happening again and again.
“It was only after Tim was arrested that I felt safe. It was only after Tim was arrested that I felt free. Free to be me, free to be happy, free to be relaxed. When I think about what happened, it wasn’t just what happened to me, it was who it made me become. I felt trampled on and feel I became a person who didn’t expect a lot from people and how they treated me and therefore, I didn’t get a lot.
“I feel numb to life and I know I should feel really happy or really sad but I don’t have the ability to emotionally connect with what is happening.”
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