A former teacher who taught at a prep school in Hertfordshire has been found guilty of tying a boy to her bed and blindfolding him during a series of sexual acts. Deborah Franklin, 65, was convicted by a jury at St Albans Crown Court on eight counts of gross indecency.
The offences took place between 1991 and 1995, when the boy was aged between nine and 12. The court heard that Franklin undressed in front of the boy, kissed him, encouraged him to touch her, and engaged in other sexual acts.
Franklin, of Radlett, Hertfordshire, was her 30s and married at the time of the offending. She was hired as the boy's private tutor and was regularly at his family home. Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger told the court that Franklin was "trusted" by the family to be in the boy's room during tutoring sessions.
The accuser, now in his 40s, first reported the incidents to police in 2024. Detective Constable Liz McGrath commended the victim's bravery, stating the case demonstrates a commitment to justice for victims regardless of how long ago a crime occurred.
Franklin has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing, which is scheduled for 1 October. Judge Kamran Choudhry warned there was a "high possibility" she would be jailed.