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.