Deborah Franklin, aged 65, of Radlett, Hertfordshire, has been remanded in custody after being convicted by a jury at St Albans Crown Court of multiple sexual offences committed against a young boy during the 1990s.
Franklin stood trial facing allegations spanning several years, during which the victim was aged between nine and 12 years old. Following deliberations, the jury returned guilty verdicts on eight counts of gross indecency with a child. Franklin had entered not guilty pleas to every charge on the indictment.
Under UK legislation, all victims of sexual offences are protected by lifelong statutory anonymity.
The prosecution detailed how Franklin initially became acquainted with the victim’s family, establishing a position of trust that resulted in her being retained as the boy’s private academic tutor. This role afforded her routine and unsupervised access to the child inside his bedroom at the family home. The court heard that on one occasion, the victim’s sister entered the room and discovered Franklin lying beneath the bed covers alongside the young boy.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Franklin subjected the child to repeated and escalating sexual misconduct. Jurors heard that she removed her clothing in front of the boy, kissed him, compelled him to touch her body, and carried out multiple sexual acts. The victim testified that Franklin referred to herself as his girlfriend and gave explicit instructions that their relationship had to remain strictly secret.
The jury was also told of an incident at Franklin’s private residence where she placed a blindfold over the boy’s eyes and secured him to her bed before continuing the abuse.
The survivor formally reported the historical offences to Hertfordshire Constabulary in 2024, prompting the criminal investigation that culminated in Franklin’s arrest and prosecution.
Following the delivery of the guilty verdicts, the trial judge remanded Franklin in custody, revoking any bail provisions. She is scheduled to appear back before St Albans Crown Court to receive her sentence on Thursday, 1 October.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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