A trial has heard that a teacher, Deborah Franklin, 65, who worked at a preparatory school in Hertfordshire, is accused of engaging in gross indecent acts with a boy in the 1990s when he was between nine and 12 years old. The boy’s family had placed trust in Franklin, who became his private tutor and allegedly subjected him to repeated sexual activities, according to prosecutors at St Albans Crown Court.
Allegations suggest that Franklin undressed in front of the boy, kissed him, encouraged him to touch her, and engaged in various sexual acts both at his residence and hers. However, Franklin denies these accusations, claiming she has no recollection of tutoring the boy. The complainant stated that Franklin had tied him to her bed and blindfolded him during one incident, and during another, called out her husband’s name while engaging in a sexual act, as per prosecutor Gavin Pottinger.
Pottinger highlighted that witnesses had seen Franklin in the boy’s bed at his house without any educational activities occurring. He emphasized the changing societal norms and the level of trust that people had back then, pointing out that Franklin was frequently at the boy’s home without adult supervision, indicating the level of trust placed in her.
The defense argued that the complainant’s account had numerous inconsistencies and questioned the plausibility of Franklin having the opportunity to commit such acts given her busy schedule. The defense also pointed out that the family members of the complainant were often present at home, making it unlikely for any abuse to occur in the bedroom.
Judge Kamran Choudhry instructed the jury that the prosecution claims the complainant has consistently disclosed the allegations to various people over the years. The complainant reported the incidents to the police in 2024, with the prosecution asserting that his disclosures align with his current account.
Franklin maintained that her relationship with the boy was appropriate and denied any inappropriate behavior during tutoring sessions. She stated that she had some recollections triggered by old photographs and discussions with her legal team but denied remembering more than she admitted. Pottinger challenged her credibility, suggesting she was not forthcoming with the truth.
The trial is ongoing as both the prosecution and defense present their arguments and evidence to the court.