A DEPUTY headteacher sent messages about child sex abuse to a suspected paedophile, a General Teaching Council for Wales panel heard yesterday.

Christopher Murphy was working at Our Lady and St Michael RC Primary School, Abergavenny, when he was arrested as part of a police paedophile investigation, the panel heard.

The deputy head denied sending the messages but admitted taking part in "role play" with other internet users where an incestuous relationship between a father and his son was acted out, the panel was told.

Mr Murphy said that he had played the part of a child sexually abused by his father, the professional conduct committee hearing held in Cardiff was told.

The messages included references to sex acts and were sent from Mr Murphy's phone over four days.

The recipient of the phone messages was arrested and charged for downloading indecent messages of children, the panel was told.

Mr Murphy suggested the messages may have been sent by people who used his phone.

Mr Murphy informed the acting headteacher of the school that he was the subject of a police investigation and he was suspended the following day, the panel was told.

The acting headteacher, Patricia Brown, said that Mr Murphy told her that his civil partnership had broken down.

Ms Brown said that Mr Murphy told him that he had been in touch with a person who formed part of the investigation through a social networking site.

Ms Brown added that Mr Murphy told her that the person was "just an acquaintance".

She made handwritten notes of the conversation with him following the meeting on September 28, 2011, the panel heard.

She then informed the local education authority and typed more extensive notes the following day.

The panel heard that Mr Murphy handed over his computer and mobile phone and that the police case against him was not pursued.

Mr Murphy did not attend the Teaching Council for Wales hearing in Cardiff yesterday.

The Teaching Council for Wales alleges that Mr Murphy sent messages containing inappropriate sexual content involving issues relating to child abuse from his mobile phone to a suspected paedophile between December 19 and 22, 2009.

Alternatively, it is alleged that Mr Murphy allowed his phone to be used to send messages to a suspected paedophile which contained inappropriate sexual content involving issues relating to child abuse.

The allegations if proven could constitute "unacceptable professional conduct" that is conduct that falls short of the standard expected of a registered teacher.

His defence team said that he denied the allegations against him.

Mr Murphy told police he did not know the suspected paedophile.

Ms Cadi Dewi, who represents Mr Murphy, said her client had a "spotless" professional record.

Ms Dewi also alleged that Ms Brown's recollection of her conversation with Murphy was inaccurate.

Proceeding.