Expat in jail says sorry for pornographic pool party near temple

A BRITISH expat facing up to a year in a Cambodian prison for promoting a ‘pornographic’ pool party has apologised and claimed he did not realise he was breaking any laws.

Daniel Jones, 31, was among ten foreigners held in January after police raided a private villa in Siem Reap, a tourist hub near the Angkor Wat temple ruins.

A court dropped charges against all but party organiser Jones, who has been in jail for nearly two months accused of producing pornographic materials to promote the party.

At the trial’s first hearing yesterday Jones admitted to advertising the ‘Let’s Get Wet’ event on Facebook with images from a previous pool party. He said there was no nudity or sex and apologised for offending Cambodians. ‘Now I understand in Cambodia that these pictures are not good,’ he said.

Prosecutor Seng Samnang said any images encouraging sexual activity are illegal.

Jones said he had organised a total of four parties before his arrest, charging attendees under £4 for transportation, a free drink and T-shirt.

While Cambodia boasts a freewheeling nightlife, the Buddhist country is often strict when protecting local traditions or heritage sites. Suong Sophea, defending, urged the judge to consider the impact on tourism when deciding a verdict.

‘If such activities are considered offences, it will affect tourism in Cambodia,’ he said. No date was given for the verdict.

‘Free drink and a T-shirt’