A former preparatory school teacher has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing a boy she privately tutored during the 1990s. Deborah Franklin, 65, from Radlett, Hertfordshire, was convicted at St Albans Crown Court earlier this year on eight counts of gross indecency involving the boy, who was between the ages of nine and 12 at the time.

Judge His Honour Judge Choudhry sentenced Franklin on Thursday, describing her conduct as a “profound abuse of trust.” The offences occurred while Franklin was employed as the child’s private tutor, a role that prosecutors said she exploited to carry out repeated sexual acts.

Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger told the court that Franklin took advantage of the opportunities provided by her position and the confidence placed in her to repeatedly abuse the victim. The trial heard that Franklin, who was in her 30s and married when the offences took place, engaged in various forms of sexual activity with the boy, including removing her clothing in his presence, kissing him, and encouraging him to touch her. During one incident that occurred in a garage, she reportedly asked the boy, “Do you want to touch me?”

The boy’s sister witnessed one occasion when Franklin was under the covers of her brother’s bed. Despite the allegations, Franklin denied all charges, asserting that she could not recall tutoring the boy. Her defence also maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings.

Representing Franklin, solicitor Aisling Byrnes described her client’s subsequent life as exemplary and noted that she continued teaching for years after the offences were committed. Byrnes urged the court to consider these factors during sentencing.

Franklin’s conviction highlights the breach of trust in cases involving private tutors and the vulnerability of children in such settings. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which it views abuses of this nature.