TV personality Phillip Schofield‘s brother Timothy has been found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy.
A civilian police worker from Bath, Timothy Schofield, 54, told the jury while giving evidence that he had watched pornography with the boy, whom he insisted was over the age of 16 at that time.
The 54-year-old said they had also masturbated while sitting apart, but denied performing sexual acts on the teenager.
Serving as a witness against his brother, Phillip said: ‘As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.’
So, who is Phillip Schofield’s brother? What was the verdict against him? Read on below for all you need to know about Timothy Schofield.
Timothy Schofield was convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019
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Who is Phillip Schofield’s brother?
Timothy Schofield has been 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.
Avon and Somerset Police, where Schofield was employed, said a misconduct hearing will be held ‘as soon as possible’. 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 spokesperson said: ‘Child sexual abuse can have devastating and long-lasting impact on a person’s life and Timothy Schofield’s actions were deeply harmful.
Why is Phillip Schofield not on This Morning?
The TV personality has not appeared as a presenter on This Morning after taking time off to appear as a witness during his brother’s trial.
This Morning have confirmed that the presenter will not be making an immediate return to the show he stars in alongside Holly Willoughby.
Holly and Phillip had already been scheduled to take their usual two-week Easter break.
Phillip’s extended absence means he will miss at least three weeks of shows before returning on air.
The pair will be replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary – who normally present the show on Fridays – during their absence.
A photo of the Schofield brothers enjoying a day out with their mother
What was the verdict against Timothy Schofield?
The 54-year-old has been found guilty on all counts, with the jury reaching a majority of 10-2 after more than five-and-a-half hours of deliberation.
Timothy Schofield was convicted of 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.
Closing the case, prosecutor Robin Shellard said: ‘We are not dealing with morals but criminal abuse against a child.’
He added: ‘There are good reasons why society – and we here are all part of this society and the law which is founded because of society – treats those under 18 and those under 16 not as full adults.
‘Society tries to protect children from adults who want to abuse them and tries to protect children from themselves.’
Referring to the defendant’s claims of ‘exaggeration’, Mr Shellard said: ‘The problem for Mr Schofield is how restrained the boy is in his allegations.
Following the trial, Mr. Schofield has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on 19 May.
Phillip Schofield, pictured on This Morning, alongside his co-star Holly Willoughby
What did Phillip Schofield say in response?
Phillip has distanced himself from his brother in the wake of the latter’s conviction, having also served as a witness in the recent trial.
In a statement released by his lawyer after the guilty verdict, 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.’
He continued: ‘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.’
The NSPCC urged adults who are concerned about a child to contact [email protected] and young people to call Childline on 0800 1111.
