A CLAPHAM man who lied about his past to get a job as a hospital nursing assistant sexually assaulted three women in his care.

Josiah Oladele, 42, of Walden Court, Wandsworth Road, SW8, lied to gain employment as a nursing assistant at St Thomas' Hospital.

London's Central Criminal Court heard he carried out sexual assaults on women patients he was supposed to be caring for on an acute psychiatric ward at the south London hospital, between June 2003 and January 2004.

His employers, South London and Maudlsey NHS Trust, contacted police after concerns were raised by patients and staff.

He was convicted of: an indecent assault on one woman, for which he received an 18 month sentence; two assaults on a second woman for which he was handed two four years jail terms and the rape of a third victim for which he was sentenced to ten years behind bars.

All sentences are to run concurrently.

Detective Sergeant Pauline McGinley, of Lambeth Sapphire Unit, said the investigation had been complex and traumatic for all involved. "The victims were very vulnerable and needed to be interviewed by specially trained officers.

"Their already fragile mental state was severely undermined by the investigation but they have been immensely brave throughout. Everyone found their video evidence very moving."

DS McGinley added: "Oladele took advantage of his position of care and his general reputation. He appeared plausible.

"He trusted that no-one would believe such behaviour of him. And, as he continued to get away with his crimes, he became more arrogant and violent towards his victims."