Hertfordshire teacher denies memory of alleged victim in indecency trial
Deborah Franklin rejects claims of remembering boy more than admitted
A 65-year-old teacher accused of gross indecency against a boy in Hertfordshire during the 1990s has denied deliberately forgetting details about the alleged victim, as heard in court.
Deborah Franklin, who taught at a preparatory school, faces eight charges relating to incidents alleged to have occurred when the boy was aged between nine and 12.
The accusations include tying the boy to a bed and blindfolding him before engaging in a sex act. Franklin is currently on trial at St Albans Crown Court.
Prosecutors claim Franklin started tutoring the boy privately, inviting him to her home and visiting his house.
While giving evidence, Franklin stated it was routine for teachers, parents, and students to interact socially.
She disclosed to police that the boy's tutoring was difficult to recall but admitted "little bits have come back" through photographs and discussions with her legal team.
Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger inquired if Franklin remembered the boy more than she was admitting, which she denied.
When asked by defence barrister Aisling Byrnes about the allegations of sexual touching during tutoring sessions, Franklin responded, "No."
Franklin described it as not "unusual" to be on a child's bed during tutoring, although later during cross-examination, she expressed uncertainty about the boy's seating arrangement.
She acknowledged the possibility of inviting the complainant to her residence "possibly for tutoring," but stated it wasn't typical.
Asked by Byrnes if the boy was ever naked at her home, Franklin insisted, "No."
When questioned about tying the boy to a bed during an alleged sex act, Franklin firmly denied it.
Further inquiries by the prosecution regarding changes in their relationship and alleged acts saw Franklin consistently deny the accusations.
The trial continues.