A HEADTEACHER accused of serious financial irregularities and downloading pornography at work has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

It is understood Brian Lees, 56, will not be sacked but will be allowed to resign from his £66,000-a-year post at Glossopdale Community College.

Today Dr Joe Holly, the school's chair of governors, said allowing the father-of-three to resign was a gesture due to his 10 years' service.

Dr Holly said the matter would be referred to the Department of Education.

Mr Lees, who denied the charges, defended himself during a two-day disciplinary hearing before governors last week.

The M.E.N. uncovered a series of allegations against Mr Lees in a report by Derbyshire's chief education officer Roger Taylor in July.

It said 2,000 pornographic images, some hardcore, were found on a school PC used by Mr Lees.

A criminal investigation into allegations of financial irregularities totalling £300,000 was shelved because Mr Lees was declared too ill to face prosecution.