AN Army doctor involved in a cover-up over the torture death of an Iraqi hotel receptionist, at the hands of Lancashire soldiers, has been told his future in the medical profession is hanging in the balance.

Dr Derek Keilloh, 37, found guilty of lying over the detention centre death of Baha Mousa, while attached to the former Queen's Lancashire Regiment, has been told by a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service panel that his fitness to practice is impaired.

Dr Keilloh had a number of misconduct charges proved against him on Sunday, surrounding the death of Mr Mousa, who had more than 90 separate injuries, inflicted by QLR troops after his September 2003 arrest in Basra.

Tom Kark QC, representing the General Medical Council, said that while the circumstances of the case were removed from 'the usual clinical environment', Dr Keilloh's actions amounted to 'serious misconduct'.

He said the doctor was responsible for ‘a significant series of failings in respect of patient care’.

Timothy Langdale QC, for Dr Keilloh, said his client had suffered from a lack of training and had no induction prior to his deployment.

The panel ruled his fitness to practise was impaired, and must now decide what penalty, including striking-off, is appropriate.