Former Hertfordshire Tutor Convicted of Gross Indecency with Child

Deborah Franklin, 65, a former private tutor at a prep school in Hertfordshire, was found guilty by a jury at St Albans Crown Court of eight counts of gross indecency involving a boy aged nine to 12 between 1991 and 1995. Franklin denied all charges but was convicted on every count. She has been remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for 1 October, with Judge Kamran Choudhry warning there is a “high possibility” of imprisonment.

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The court heard that Franklin, then in her 30s and married, regularly entered the family home for tutoring sessions. Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger described her as “trusted” by the family. Evidence indicated Franklin undressed in front of the boy, kissed him, encouraged him to touch her, and on at least one occasion tied the blindfolded child to a bed at her home and tickled him. The victim, now in his 40s, first reported the incidents to Hertfordshire Police in 2024. Police confirmed Franklin was suspended from her school once the allegations surfaced.

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Detective Constable Liz McGrath commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward and emphasized the justice system’s commitment to addressing historic abuse. Judge Choudhry’s pre-sentencing warning underscored the seriousness of the abuse of a position of trust.

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• “She was fun, she was charismatic. I thought she was cool.” — Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger

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• “Firstly, I wish to commend the bravery shown by the victim in reporting the allegations to the police and for the strength shown during the trial.” — Det Con Liz McGrath

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With sentencing set for 1 October, the court will determine the length of Franklin’s custodial term. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of historic child-sex offences and the role of institutions in safeguarding vulnerable children.

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