Former teacher guilty of historical sex abuse

A former teacher at a boarding school in Kent has been found guilty of sexually abusing a pupil more than 40 years ago.

Dennis Fletcher, a resident boarding master at Junior King's School in Canterbury, abused two boys between 1978 and 1982 when they were under the age of 14.

Fletcher, from Broadstairs, had already pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault on another boy during the same period, while the second charge was proven following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Louise Lamont, a senior crown prosecutor, said: "Fletcher was someone that the boys should have been able to trust, but instead he abused his position of power over the boys in his care in the most appalling way."

Fletcher had a flat next to the dormitories and would patrol at night, targeting boys who broke school rules, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

Lamont said the victims felt unable to speak out at the time and had only recently found the courage to report the abuse to police.

The prosecutor added: "The defendant had complete power over these boys, and it was unthinkable for them to speak out about what had happened to them at that time.

"Since then, they have tried to block out what happened to them but recently found the courage to report the sexual abuse they suffered to the police.

"Thanks to their bravery, Fletcher has now been brought to justice for his terrible crimes."

The CPS said the convictions showed offenders could still be brought to justice decades after abuse had taken place.

Fletcher will be sentenced on 3 July.

Junior King's School described Fletcher's behaviour as "appalling" and said the school had supported the authorities throughout the investigation.

"Our thoughts are above all with the victims," added the spokesperson. "We hope that today's conviction brings them some measure of closure.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked by his actions and we sincerely apologise to those affected.

"It is hugely admirable that they found the courage to report the abuse they suffered and to give evidence that led to this conviction."

It said safeguarding was taken extremely seriously, with procedures regularly reviewed in line with statutory guidance, adding that the safety and wellbeing of pupils was always its top priority.

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