A former teacher in Hertfordshire has been accused of sexually abusing a pupil over several years during the early 1990s, the court heard. Deborah Franklin, 65, faces eight counts of gross indecency involving a boy under the age of 14, with the alleged offenses taking place between 1991 and 1995 while she was employed at a preparatory school.

Prosecutors allege that Franklin engaged in repeated sexual abuse of the boy, who was around ten years old when the incidents began. The complainant, now in his 40s, told the court that he believed he was in a relationship with Franklin, who was approximately 30 at the time. In a recorded police interview, the man recalled being blindfolded and restrained on Franklin’s marital bed during these encounters, as well as being taught how to touch a woman.

Evidence presented at St Albans Crown Court included testimony from the complainant’s siblings, who described Franklin as a familiar presence in their family home for many years. The boy’s older sister recalled finding Franklin “under the covers reading a book” with her brother and described her as “fun” and “charismatic.” She said Franklin was regularly at the house, often on Saturday afternoons, and was considered a family friend. The sister confirmed that the victim had informed their father of the abuse and later reported Franklin to the police after discovering she was still working at the school in 2024.

An additional witness, a former school friend of the complainant, described the relationship between Franklin and the boy as “very close” and “flirtatious,” noting that they would hold hands on school outings. The complainant’s older brother also testified, stating that Franklin frequently spent time at their home and watched television with his brother. The brother acknowledged that his sibling had indicated something inappropriate had occurred but said the specifics were never disclosed.

During her police interview, Franklin denied the allegations, calling them “a lot of rubbish” and expressing disbelief at the accusations. She stated she had little recollection of the complainant.

Franklin, who resides in Radlett, Hertfordshire, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is ongoing.