Mark Duckworth may appeal sentence

Gemma Carter drowned on 8 June 1999 after apparently becoming separated from the rest of the party during a period of "supervised free time" in Le Touquet.

The teenager was said to have been bathing with friends off a treacherous spit of sand between the sea and the tidal River Canche.

The case against Duckworth followed a year-long investigation by French police.

Duckworth, who taught French at Cockburn High School in Leeds, is currently suspended from the post.

His union - the National Union of Teachers - offered its sympathy to the bereaved family.

Gemma was swimming in treacherous waters

Officials would examine the position and make a decision on whether to appeal against the verdict over the coming days, a spokeswoman said.

Gemma's mother, Sharon Carter, went to the site where her daughter drowned on Tuesday and threw a wreath into the sea.

She also visited the youth hostel where the youngster had spent her last night and met the fisherman who had pulled her body from the water.

"It is very emotional to be here," Ms Carter, 38, said.

"It was also nice to meet the fisherman. He is still very upset - he could not believe that Gemma was swimming in such conditions."