Timothy Schofield 'took away victim's innocence' judge says in court
Timothy Schofield was told he "exploited his victim's innocence" for his "own sexual gratification" when being sentenced to 12 years in prison earlier today.
The younger brother of TV star Phillip Schofield was found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy over a period of three years at Exeter Crown Court on April 3.
Schofield, who was dismissed by his former employer Avon and Somerset Police following the conviction, was remanded into custody by Mrs Justice Cutts after a verdict was reached on April 3.
Speaking at Schofield's sentencing at Bristol Crown Court today [May 19], Mrs Justice Cutts said: "You exploited his innocence at this stage of his life for your own sexual gratification.
Timothy Schofield, the brother of TV presenter Phillip Schofield, covered his head as he left Exeter Crown Court in March (PA)"It was wrong on every level for you to behave as you did. He felt forced to do what you wanted, trapped and unable to escape. He felt he couldn’t tell anyone and did not do so for many years. You took away his ability to be the teenager he should have been – carefree, relaxed, happy. It is clear to me that you became utterly obsessed with him."
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She added: "Your actions and behaviour have had a devastating impact on the boy. “In doing what you did, you thought only of yourself. “I have not heard a single word of remorse from you, only self-pity."
The judge commended the courage of the boy for reporting the abuse.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Robin Shellard, prosecuting, the boy said he felt “numb to life” following the abuse.
Schofield covered his face when arriving at court during the trial (PA)
He was remanded into custody after a verdict was delivered on April 3 (PA)He said: “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.
"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."
The boy added: "I feel more blunt, I feel more bitter, I feel numb to life. I know I should feel really happy or really sad but I don’t have the ability to emotionally react to what is happening."
Detective Inspector Keith Smith of Avon and Somerset Police said outside court today that the boy abused by Schofield showed "remarkable bravery" and he hoped this would encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward.
"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," he added.
"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.
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"The public must be able to trust police officers and staff, and protecting this bond of trust is our priority."
* If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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