A teacher has been convicted of sexually abusing a former pupil over a period spanning four years. Deborah Franklin, 65, was found guilty at St Albans Crown Court on multiple counts of gross indecency involving a boy under the age of 14. The offences occurred between 1991 and 1995, during which time the victim was a student at a preparatory school in Hertfordshire.

According to court testimony, the boy was nine years old when he first enrolled in Franklin’s class. The abuse reportedly intensified over time, eventually involving full sexual intercourse. The victim described instances at Franklin’s home where she blindfolded and tied him to a bed. He disclosed the abuse to his father before his 13th birthday, but no police report was made at that time, as the father was concerned about the potential impact on his son.

The victim, now in his 40s, recounted enduring years of psychological trauma as a result of the abuse. Franklin faces sentencing on October 1. The court proceedings brought to light the severity of the offenses, and Franklin is expected to receive a custodial sentence following the verdict.