A 65-year-old married female teacher has appeared at St Albans Crown Court charged with multiple historical counts of gross indecency against a boy under the age of 14. Deborah Franklin, of Radlett, Hertfordshire, denies eight counts of the alleged offences, which are said to have occurred between 1991 and 1995 at a preparatory school where she was a teacher.
Allegations of Abuse Spanning Years
The complainant, now in his 40s, gave evidence on Monday, July 20, describing how he developed a "strong friendship" with Franklin when she became his private tutor at the age of nine. He stated their conversations quickly turned to adult topics like drugs and sex. The court heard the relationship allegedly escalated after the boy won a bet against her. The complainant testified that Franklin then suggested he "wanted to see her without her clothes on." He described the "first incident" occurring in his home garage, followed by a series of alleged sexual encounters over several years.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the prosecution, one incident involved the boy, then aged around ten, being tied to a bed, blindfolded, and tickled while naked. The complainant told jurors he "had no clue as to what was happening" but that it began to disturb him as a teenager. He stated they later had sex on the same bed.
Prosecution Case and Evidence
Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger told jurors the complainant had told others about the incidents closer to the time and that supporting evidence from friends, family, and photographs would be presented. The allegations were formally reported to police in March 2024.
Defendant's Plea and Trial Status
Franklin, who remains on unconditional bail, entered pleas of not guilty to all counts. The trial continues.
