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Paedo teacher employed by world's oldest school found guilty of historic abuse of pupil
Reach Daily Express | April 24, 2026 10:40 PM CST

A former teacher employed by the world's oldest school has been found guilty of the historic abuse of a second young pupil.

Dennis Fletcher was a resident boarding master at Junior King's School in Canterbury between 1978 and 1997 and had already pleaded guilty to sexually abusing another boy during the same time at the school.

But he has now been convicted of preying on another boy at the famed public school.

Both were assaulted between 1978 and 1982 when they were under the age of 14.

The paedophile had a flat next to the boy's dormitories and one of the victims recalled how he would patrol at night and "punish" anyone found breaking the rules.

Following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, Fletcher, now 76, has been convicted of one charge of indecent assault on the boy.

Fletcher, who taught French at the renowned £30,000-a-year prep school, was previously jailed for three years at Maidstone Crown Court after admitting to seven counts of sexually assaulting children under 16 and making an indecent video.

He was sacked by the school and placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

He will be sentenced for his latest conviction at a later date.

Junior King's School which is famed for instrumental and choral music - and provides choristers to Canterbury Cathedral - is the main feeder for Kings for children ages three to 13 and is located in a country estate setting in Sturry, two miles from the city centre.

The 291-pupil school is a registered charity catering for day pupils as well as boarders. England cricket legend David Gower is among its former pupils.

The King's School is widely considered the oldest school in the world, with roots tracing back to 597 AD with the main school building set within the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of the Canterbury Cathedral precincts.

Louise Lamont, Senior Crown Prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service, 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.

"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."

"I hope these convictions send a clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service, working closely alongside police colleagues, will prosecute those who sexually exploit children and adults, whenever that abuse took place.

"All children have the right to feel safe. I encourage anyone who has been in a similar position to come forward to report these incidents to the police. It is never too late to seek justice - you are not alone and there is help available."


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