A headteacher dismissed his teachers' claims that he bullied them as 'malicious lies and gossip' intended to damage his reputation.

Alan Klee, who resigned from Carterton Community College two years ago and is now a headmaster in Kent, told a General Teaching Council hearing that staff at the college had made up accusations of bullying against him and 'once said, they were regarded as the truth'.

He said the accusations were made by a minority of staff who did not like his managerial style.

It is alleged Mr Klee bullied and intimidated staff, showed disregard for college policy, did not properly engage with staff, obstructed school governors and failed in his professional duty.

He told the panel on Monday: "(The bullying allegations are) just malicious lies and gossip which is intended to damage my professional reputation.

"Things were said and once they were said were regarded as the truth, which I find astonishing."

The panel heard that Mr Klee refused one member of staff a day's pay because he failed to prepare for a meeting within the timeframe set out in college policy, and accused another colleague of being incompetent.

Teaching council prosecuting officer Nick Leale also detailed an end-of-term meeting where Mr Klee was described by staff as being very frightening.

Mr Leale said: "You told staff you would sort them out next term."

Mr Klee denied the claim, adding: "We had to have a new start and a new beginning because I felt some people were out of control."

He also faces allegations of failing to follow college policy on issues including wages and writing references.

Mr Leale said that in a conversation with one colleague's potential employer, Mr Klee had described him as an 'inveterate shouter' and advised against appointing him.

Mr Klee again denied the claim, but said he had mentioned that the man had health issues that he had thought could worsen if he was taken on by the other school.

The hearing, which was adjourned from September, is due to conclude on Tuesday.