Hong Kong, Sep 3 (DPA) An expatriate professor was Thursday jailed for nine weeks for molesting two female students in his office at the University of Hong Kong.
Terence Shortall, 54, an associate professor of education at the university, was found guilty on two counts of indecent assault. He was also fined 5,000 Hong Kong dollars ($645).
At his sentencing at Hong Kong’s Eastern Magistracy Thursday, magistrate William Lam told him he had taken advantage of his position to satisfy his sexual urges.
Lam added that Shortall had shown no remorse and had made his victims go to court and relive their “terrifying experiences” after he entered not guilty pleas.
The professor’s first victim, a 21-year-old student, testified how Shortall touched her back and inner thigh when she went to his office for help with her studies when she faced being kicked off her course.
Irishman Shortall, who has 30 years’ teaching experience, kissed the student then grabbed her hand and placed it on his groin several times, the hearing was told.
A second student who was assaulted three days later said Shortall pressed her legs between his and tried to kiss her when she went to his office at his invitation.
Shortall claimed the stories were fabricated, insisting that he avoided physical contact beyond shaking hands with students. “I wouldn’t do anything stupid to jeopardise my career,” he said.
The University of Hong Kong said counselling and support would be provided for affected students and said Shortall’s contract was under review in the wake of his conviction.
