Deborah Franklin, a 65-year-old married teacher, is accused of having sexual contact with a schoolboy from the age of nine until he was 14, including incidents where she allegedly blindfolded and tied him to a bed. The allegations involve eight counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14, occurring between 1991 and 1995 at a preparatory school in Hertfordshire.
Complainant's account of grooming and abuse
In a video-recorded police interview, the complainant, now in his 40s, described how Franklin became his private tutor when he was nine. He recalled her as "very gregarious, high energy, much younger" and said they developed a strong friendship. She introduced topics like drugs, cigarettes, and sex, which he found intriguing. He stated, "I was the perfect candidate. I was interested to know those types of things."
The complainant noted a shift in their relationship after he won a bet against her at school. When he suggested a childish prize, Franklin allegedly responded, "Because I would have thought you wanted to see me without my clothes on." He remembered feeling very surprised.
First incident and progression of abuse
The first physical incident allegedly occurred in the garage of the complainant's home, which his brother had turned into a den. Franklin, wearing a summery maxi dress and bra, reportedly asked, "Do you want to touch me?" and then kissed him. The complainant described the manipulation: "At the time it was like: I am in a relationship. I'm your girlfriend. We have to be cautious."
He recalled Franklin teaching him how to touch a woman, and when he commented on a smell, she became defensive, saying, "That's how women smell." During one encounter, she allegedly called out her husband's name, Angelo, which surprised him. He said, "I thought I had the relationship. I remember thinking I had a competitor."
Specific incidents of bondage and blindfolding
The complainant described an encounter where Franklin tied him to the bed and blindfolded him. He said, "She had a feather. Some kind of feathery gloves and fur. She tickled me. I remember being strapped down to the bed and blindfolded." He added that she was surprised he did not enjoy it. This incident disturbed him later in his teenage years when he understood its significance. He stated, "I was there for some hours. I remember us coming back to it later and having sex on her bed."
The first sexual encounter allegedly occurred when he was as young as 10, in his brother's bedroom. Through tears, he said, "She must have known that's what that was. That's a kind of standout memory that I have."
Prosecution's case and evidence
Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger told jurors that the offences involve indecency by Franklin when the complainant was aged between nine and 13. He noted that police were not contacted until recently, but the complainant had told others closer to the time. The prosecution will present evidence from friends and family, as well as photographs produced by the complainant.
The complainant first reported the allegations to police in March 2024 and gave an ABE (achieving best evidence) interview in May 2024. Franklin, who remains on unconditional bail, left court wearing dark sunglasses and a silk headscarf. She denies all eight counts of gross indecency. The trial continues.
