A TEACHER has been handed an indefinite ban from the profession after he was found to have sent “inappropriate” messages to a female student.

Michael Browne, 56, who was employed at Bournemouth and Poole College from September 2009 until July last year, sent a student texts calling her his “future wife” and asking about her underwear.

IT teacher Mr Browne also told the student that sleeping with her was on his “bucket list” and that he would let the student sit on his lap if he was “satisfied with how well she had dusted around the house”.

Friends of the student told the college about the texts and emails in May 2015 and the teacher asked his pupil to delete the messages.

The student was interviewed by the police after the allegations were made, and while no criminal charges were brought, the emails were examined and disciplinary proceedings were conducted by the college.

During a professional hearing at the National College for Teaching and Leadership, the panel said his conduct “brought the profession into disrepute”.

It said that references to the student being Mr Browne’s future wife could be construed as “light-hearted banter”, but other emails contained “an element of sexual gratification”.

However the panel did accept his claim that he had no intention of engaging in a physical relationship with the student.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth and Poole College said: “Mr Browne was dismissed in July 2015, following a period of suspension and investigation.

“We have a clear and public safeguarding policy supported by robust procedures that we adhere to. We responded immediately to concerns brought to our attention and involved the local authority and also the police.

“Detailed information was passed to all the relevant authorities in full cooperation with them.

“Our first and foremost concern is always for the safety and wellbeing of our students, and we continued to support the student to the completion of her studies.”

Mr Browne is barred from teaching for a minimum of two years, but has the right to have it set aside from August 2018.