Former Crowded House Pastor Stephen Timmis and Wife Charged with Rape in Sheffield, England

Former church leader Stephen Timmis and his wife, Janet, have been charged with rape, South Yorkshire Police have announced. Stephen Timmis, 68, and Janet Timmis, 61, both of Sheffield, each face eight charges relating to the same person. Both are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The alleged offences took place between May and September 2008, when Stephen Timmis was a leader at The Crowded House Church in Sheffield. The police statement, issued on Thursday, said the charges were brought following a report of non-recent sexual abuse.

The couple have been bailed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 1 December 2026.

Police said their enquiries had led them to believe there may be individuals in the community who had previously been members of the church and who hold information relevant to the investigation. Anyone affected by the matter, police said, will be offered appropriate support as required. Protecting people who have been harmed, and giving them a safe way to come forward, is central to this kind of case (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Anyone with concerns or relevant information can contact South Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or by using its online reporting system, quoting investigation number 14/229723/24.

Source: Read the original report