PHILIP FRANKLIN OF COLCHESTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In June 2019, a courageous woman from Colchester publicly shared her harrowing experience of sexual abuse inflicted by a man she once trusted, Philip Franklin, who is now 65 years old. Her story sheds light on the long-lasting trauma caused by Franklin, a man who preyed on her from a very young age and manipulated her into silence for years.

According to her account, Sophie, now 24, recounted how Franklin, a family friend, began grooming her when she was just nine years old. Franklin, who lived nearby in Colchester, would often babysit her, sometimes staying overnight at his residence. She explained that her parents trusted Franklin to look after her, unaware of his sinister intentions.

Her ordeal escalated in April 2007, when she was only 12 years old. During a sleepover at Franklin’s house, he asked her to remove her top, which she did out of confusion. This act marked the beginning of a series of abusive encounters. Sophie described how Franklin then kissed her, and she was initially unsure that anything was wrong. However, he soon took her into his bedroom, where he touched her and made her touch him. Franklin also professed his love for her and claimed she was his girlfriend, instructing her to keep their relationship a secret.

As she grew older, the abuse continued. By the time Sophie was 13, they were engaging in sexual activity. She revealed that Franklin would act normal in front of her parents when he visited, but would wink at her when her mother’s back was turned. In 2008, Franklin bought her a Valentine’s Day card, which she hid from her parents, unaware of his manipulative tactics.

Her awareness of the inappropriateness of Franklin’s actions deepened in 2009 when she learned about sexual education at school. The realization that she was too young to legally consent caused her to feel sick and betrayed. Despite this, fear prevented her from speaking out, and the abuse persisted until she was 16. As she entered her final year of high school, Franklin began to distance himself from her. When she started dating a boy from college, she told Franklin about her new relationship, which he acknowledged with a comment that he knew this day would come. After that, she avoided visiting his house altogether.

In 2012, at the age of 18, Sophie moved away from Colchester to escape Franklin’s influence. Yet, the memories haunted her, manifesting in nightmares and panic attacks. Her then-boyfriend noticed her distress, prompting her support worker to intervene. It was during this meeting that Sophie finally disclosed the full extent of her abuse, encouraging her to confide in her parents. Her revelation was a turning point, and she described feeling a sense of relief after sharing her secret.

Two days following her confession, Sophie reported Franklin to the police. He was subsequently arrested and faced multiple charges of sexual abuse. Franklin was released on bail but soon fled to the Philippines, making it difficult for authorities to apprehend him. Sophie expressed her frustration and disgust at his escape, noting that a warrant was issued for his arrest but she believed capturing him was unlikely.

In 2015, she received a call from law enforcement officers informing her that Franklin had been detained at Heathrow Airport while attempting to return to England. Her emotional reaction was one of relief and tears. The case progressed, and in November 2017, Franklin appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court. He was charged with 22 sexual offences, including multiple counts of sexual assault of a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Franklin pleaded not guilty, which meant Sophie had to give evidence in court.

Ultimately, the jury found Franklin guilty of six counts of sexual assault of a child and four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to nine years in prison. During the sentencing, Franklin reacted with visible frustration, throwing his headset to the ground, a gesture that Sophie interpreted as a sign of his displeasure. She expressed that the sentence provided her with a sense of closure and justice.

Sophie emphasized that she would never forgive Franklin but was grateful for the outcome. She hopes her story encourages others to speak out against abuse, reinforcing that it is never the victim’s fault. Her experience underscores the importance of awareness, support, and justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.