A former teacher who was found guilty of molesting a five-year-old girl while working in Cambodia has been told to register on the sex offenders register, but insists he is not guilty.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Mark Smith, 40, outside court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last July when he was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a five-year-old pupill. Picture: Frontier Media Grouup Ltd/ViralPressMark Smith, 40, outside court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last July when he was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a five-year-old pupill. Picture: Frontier Media Grouup Ltd/ViralPress (Image: ViralPress)

Mark Smith was convicted of an indecent sexual act against a minor at Phnom Penh Municipal Court on March 22 this year.

Smith, who lives at Cotoneaster Court, insisted at the hearing at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court that he would: “Prove his innocence and overturn the conviction.”

The Gorleston resident was the vice Principal at Golden Bridge International School.

Prosecuting, Mr Owens said: “I understand Mr Smith is seeking to have this case overturned, but as Cambodian laws are similar to UK laws on this offence, he is required to join the sex offenders register here. He will be on it for 10 years, but can be removed if the conviction is overturned.” Smith, a father of two, was previously fined five million Cambodian Riels ($1,250), and was handed a two year suspended jail sentence.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Mark Smith, 40, outside court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last July when he was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a five-year-old pupill. Picture: Frontier Media Grouup Ltd/ViralPressMark Smith, 40, outside court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last July when he was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a five-year-old pupill. Picture: Frontier Media Grouup Ltd/ViralPress (Image: ViralPress)

He has since returned to Norfolk.