THE health worker who hid his child rape conviction to get a job at a Colchester hospital was struck off yesterday - and could now face further action.

Occupational therapist Samuel Odinga was convicted in 2002 of raping a girl under 14 when he was living in Missouri, United States, the Health Professions Council conduct and competence committee heard

The 45-year-old later came to the UK and successfully applied for the job at Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust in November 2003

But, yesterday's hearing was told, he never disclosed the conviction for which he'd received a 10-year suspended prison sentence.

It was only when concerns arose about his work performance that an investigation revealed his past.

Yesterday, the HPC found Odinga guilty of misconduct and struck him off its register.

And Colchester Hospital Trust, which insisted it followed all the correct procedures when appointing Odinga, revealed it may now launch a civil action against him.

A spokesman said: “Colchester Hospital Trust acted swiftly and decisively to suspend and then dismiss him as soon as we learned of his conviction.

“Since 2004, recognised good practice in recruitment has evolved which has reduced the risk of this type of issue happening now or in the future.”

He added: “We are currently taking advice from the NHS Counter Fraud Service about the possibility of starting civil action proceedings against Mr Odinga for gaining employment through fraudulent means.