A former church leader and his wife have been charged with a total of 16 counts of rape, South Yorkshire Police said. Stephen Timmis, 68, and Janet Timmis, 61, each face eight counts of rape against one victim, with the alleged offences taking place between May and September 2008.
The couple, both of Psalter Lane, Sheffield, have been bailed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on December 1.
At the time of the alleged offences, Stephen Timmis was a church leader at the Crowded House Church in Sheffield.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police appealed for anyone with information to come forward, saying inquiries had led the force to believe there may be individuals in the community who may have previously been members of the church, with information that could be relevant to the investigation. Anyone with information would be offered appropriate support as required, the spokesperson said.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The charges involve a former church leader, raising concerns about abuse within religious institutions and trust placed in community leaders
- Police believe there may be others with relevant information, suggesting the investigation could broaden
- The case highlights the time that can pass before alleged historical abuse is brought before the courts
Background
Stephen Timmis was a church leader at the Crowded House Church in Sheffield, a network of churches associated with the Newfrontiers movement. The alleged offences occurred more than 15 years before charges were brought, and police have asked for anyone with information to come forward.
What to Watch
- The couple's court appearance at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on December 1
- Whether other potential victims or witnesses come forward in response to the police appeal
Checked
10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedStephen Timmis and his wife were each charged with eight counts of rape.The Independent UK: “Stephen Timmis, 68, and Janet Timmis, 61, are each charged with eight counts of rape against one victim.”
- SupportedThe charges total 16 counts of rape.The Independent UK: “Stephen Timmis, 68, and Janet Timmis, 61, are each charged with eight counts of rape against one victim.”
- SupportedThe charges concern one victim and alleged offences in 2008.The Independent UK: “Stephen Timmis, 68, and Janet Timmis, 61, are each charged with eight counts of rape against one victim. South Yorkshire Police said the offences are alleged to have happened between May and September 2008”
- SupportedSouth Yorkshire Police said the couple had been charged.The Independent UK: “A former church leader and his wife have been charged over allegations of sexual abuse, police said.”
- SupportedStephen Timmis is 68 and Janet Timmis is 61.The Independent UK: “Stephen Timmis, 68, and Janet Timmis, 61, are each charged with eight counts of rape against one victim.”
- SupportedThe alleged offences took place between May and September 2008, when Stephen Timmis was a church leader at Crowded House Church in Sheffield.The Independent UK: “South Yorkshire Police said the offences are alleged to have happened between May and September 2008, while Stephen Timmis was a church leader at the Crowded House Church in Sheffield .”
- SupportedThe couple are both of Psalter Lane, Sheffield, and were bailed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on December 1.The Independent UK: “The couple, both of Psalter Lane, Sheffield, have been bailed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on December 1.”
- SupportedA police spokesperson appealed for people with concerns or information to come forward.The Independent UK: ““We are appealing for anyone with concerns or information to come forward. Anyone with information will be offered appropriate support as required.””
- SupportedThe spokesperson said inquiries led police to believe some community members who may have been church members could have relevant information.The Independent UK: ““Our inquiries have led us to believe there may be individuals in the community, who may have previously been members of the church, with information which could be relevant to our investigation.””
- SupportedThe spokesperson said anyone with information would be offered appropriate support as required.The Independent UK: ““Anyone with information will be offered appropriate support as required.””