Ex-Canterbury Prep School Teacher Jailed for Historical Child Sex Offences

A former boarding master at a prep school in Canterbury has been jailed for nearly 12 years after being convicted of non-recent sexual offences against two young boys.

Dennis Fletcher, previously of Magdalen Court, Broadstairs, pleaded guilty to the indecent assault of a boy at Junior King’s School committed between 1978 and 1982. Following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, Fletcher was also convicted by a unanimous jury verdict of a further indecent assault against a second boy at the school during the same period.

The conviction follows a detailed investigation by Kent Police, which began in 2020 after the initial allegations were reported. Detectives identified a second victim in 2022 and carried out extensive enquiries, including analyzing complex evidence and conducting multiple interviews with Fletcher under caution.

The Crown Prosecution Service received the complete case file in January 2025, leading to formal charges. On Friday 3 July 2026, Fletcher was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to 11 years and nine months in prison.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sarah Cullingham, said:

‘Fletcher abused his position of authority in the most appalling way imaginable, carrying out repulsive crimes against children for whom he should have provided nurture and care.

‘Thanks to the courage of the two victims, he is now rightly behind bars where he belongs.

‘This case highlights that it is never too late for victims of sexual abuse to come forward to us. We understand how difficult it can be to speak about crimes that took place many years ago, but we will treat every report seriously and sensitively.

‘We will listen to victims, support them throughout the investigative process and do everything in our power to build a case that brings offenders to justice, regardless of how much time has passed. Specialist services are available to help victims process what has happened to them, to provide practical and emotional assistance, and they will not have to face the journey alone.’