DENNIS FLETCHER SENTENCED IN CANTERBURY FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS AT JUNIOR KING'S PREP SCHOOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Dennis Fletcher, a 50-year-old former teacher from Birchington, Kent, was sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in the sexual abuse of male pupils at Junior King’s prep school in Canterbury. The sentencing took place at Maidstone Crown Court, where Judge Hamilton handed down the punishment after Fletcher pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

Fletcher, who was responsible for teaching French at the prestigious school, admitted to seven counts of sexually assaulting children under the age of 16. Additionally, he confessed to creating an indecent video involving one of his former pupils. As part of his conviction, Fletcher will be registered on the national sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

The investigation into Fletcher's conduct was initiated following a complaint made in 1998. Detective Constable Nick Symons, who led the inquiry, emphasized the breach of trust involved in the case, stating, “This was somebody who was in a position of trust in a boarding school. There was a lot of trust in him and he abused that.”

Authorities from Kent Police's special investigations unit, in collaboration with Kent social services, launched a comprehensive investigation after a former pupil came forward with allegations of sexual assault in November 1998. Over the course of a year, investigators conducted extensive interviews with hundreds of Fletcher's current and former pupils, uncovering a pattern of abuse dating back to 1987.

During the inquiry, Fletcher was suspended from his duties at Junior King’s, the preparatory school affiliated with King’s School in Canterbury. His employment was ultimately terminated as a result of the investigation. The case culminated in court on February 8, where Fletcher admitted to seven counts of indecent assault on boys under 16 and to the production of an indecent video involving one of his former students. However, four additional charges of indecent assault remained on file, unresolved at the time of sentencing.

Attempts to obtain comments from representatives of Junior King’s were unsuccessful, and the school has not issued any public statement regarding the case. The community continues to grapple with the implications of this disturbing breach of trust by a figure once regarded as a respected educator.