Phillip Schofield's brother Timothy has been sacked from his job with the police after he was convicted of sexually abusing a teenage boy over the course of three years.
Timothy, 54, was charged with 11 sexual offences involving a child between 2016 and 2019, reports the Mirror. The shocking news prompted TV legend Phillip to take time away from This Morning and he has since disowned his relative.
Following the conviction, for which Timothy will be sentenced next month, Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they have dismissed him without notice following a misconduct hearing on Tuesday. He had worked for the force as an IT technician.
Assistant Chief Constable Will White, who chaired the meeting, said: “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.”
Timothy was found guilty following a trial earlier this month at Exeter Crown Court. He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on May 19.
After his brother's conviction, Phillip released a statement, saying: "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.
"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."
ITV said the veteran TV and stage star – who came out live on air in 2020 – had taken "pre-planned leave" at the time of the trial. Alison Hammond and Joel Dommett stood in for him during the three-week absence which ended last week.
He told viewers upon his return: "I'd just like to say, it is really lovely to be back. I have missed the show and everyone here and also to you.
"I wanted to say thank you for your kind messages and support which were really appreciated. Thank you very much indeed. On with the show... Shall we?"
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