Former teacher Smith admits new sex charges

A former Auckland teacher convicted of indecently assaulting his students today admitted three new charges.

Heremia Smith, ex-head of Maori studies at Glenfield College, was due to be sentenced in Auckland District Court today on both sets of charges.

But the hearing was adjourned after Judge Jacqueline Bouchier said that a new address where Smith intended to reside was unsuitable for a sentence of home detention. The judge rejected an earlier address as being unsuitable.

Smith was found guilty in February of four charges of indecent assault against students aged between 12 and 16 and two of sexual conduct against a girl under 15.

He was found not guilty of one charge of sexual violation and seven other charges of indecent assault.

In court today he admitted three more indecent assault charges against another student who came forward during the trial.

He was remanded for sentencing on May 7.

- NZPA