Police vow to target those who sexually exploit children

Timothy Schofield, 27, of Ken Jones Close, Telford, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday to eight years in prison after he was found guilty following a trial.

He was found guilty of five counts of child sexual offences including grooming and inciting a child of under 13 to send indecent images or have sexual intercourse. He denied the charges.

After the trial, Detective Sergeant Laura Breeze said: “I am extremely pleased to see this dangerous man taken off the streets and serve several years in prison.

“The sentence reflects how serious his offences are in the way he groomed his victim over a significant amount of time.

“I hope this outcome will give the family closure and serve as a clear warning to anyone who attempts to sexually exploit children that we will work tirelessly to bring them before the courts.

“Tackling child sexual exploitation is a force priority and we will continue to target those committing these offences.”

The court heard that Schofield, was 24 at the time he sought out the girl online in early 2018 and tried to ingratiate himself with her, pretending he was only 17. Over a period of about six months the paedophile groomed her online, encouraged her to send him intimate photographs and on one occasion collected her in his car to speak to her in person.

Sexual intercourse never took place the court was told.