Former Devon radio presenter guilty of child sex charges

Tim Schofield remanded in custody

A former Gemini Radio presenter has been convicted of child sex abuse following a trial at Exeter Crown Court.

Tim Schofield, 54, was a launch presenter on the former Devon station in 1995 and broadcast from Exeter for a number of years.

Mr Schofield, who now lives in Bath, was found guilty of 11 offences by a jury returning a majority verdict of 10-2.

Until his arrest in December 2021, he was an IT technician with Avon and Somerset Police in Portishead near Bristol. He was suspended from duty while criminal proceedings progressed, but now he has been convicted, a misconduct hearing will be held as soon as possible.

He has been remanded in custody until he is sentenced at a later date. The judge said he wanted to understand more about Schofield's mental health problems, which he had put forward as part of his defence.

Tim Schofield's elder brother, TV presenter Phillip, issued a statement following the verdict he which he says he "no longer has a brother." A previous statement by the This Morning star, who has not been broadcasting since his brother's trial began, said there was nothing Tim could say that would make him hate him.

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.

“The impact on the victim has been immense and they’ve shown incredible bravery in disclosing the crimes committed against them, and by supporting the subsequent police investigation throughout.

“We hope this outcome will provide some comfort and enable them to recover from the abuse they’ve had inflicted on them.

“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.

“Until these criminal allegations were reported in December 2021, there were no previous allegations or complaints made to the police against this defendant.

“Once reported, officers carried out a thorough investigation, building a file of evidence and speaking to a number of witnesses, resulting in the defendant being charged and subsequently convicted of serious offences.

“Misconduct proceedings can now recommence at pace, and the defendant is due to be sentenced on May 19 at Bristol Crown Court.

“While the majority of police officers, staff and volunteers dedicate themselves to public service and keeping our communities safe, we know the public’s trust and confidence in policing nationally has been damaged by recent incidents.

“To repair the damage these incidents have undoubtedly caused, we must take continue to take decisive action and be clear what standards we expect from our people. Where these standards are not met, we will take robust action to ensure those who let us all down cannot remain in policing.”