A Scots-trained Army doctor accused of a cover-up after Iraqi detainee Baha Mousa was beaten to death by British soldiers is an "exemplary professional", a tribunal heard yesterday.

Dr Derek Keilloh, who is appearing before the Medical Practitioners' Tribunal Service, received glowing references from fellow professionals who lauded his hard work and dedication to his patients.

The Yorkshire-based GP claimed he only spotted dried blood around the nose of hotel receptionist Baha Mousa, who was arrested by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Queen's Lancashire Regiment (1 QLR) in a swoop against insurgents in September 2003.

Mr Mousa, 26, was hooded, handcuffed and beaten, and died 36 hours after being taken to the detention centre at the Army HQ in the southern Iraq city of Basra.

Mr Mousa, a father-of-two, suffered 93 separate injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken nose.

A fellow medic, a corporal, remarked: "Look at the state of him!" after first seeing Mr Mousa's battered body.

Dr Keilloh, 37, supervised a failed resuscitation attempt of Mr Mousa in a desperate bid to save the detainee's life.

But the then captain and regimental medical officer of the battalion did not report the abuse and has always maintained he did not see the victim's catalogue of injuries.

Yesterday, fellow medics commended Dr Keilloh, now a GP at the Mayford House Surgery in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Liz Corser, a nurse and care home manager, told the hearing, "Dr Keilloh's commitment to patient care is meticulous.

"He's very sensitive in dealing with relatives."

Dr Keilloh denies misconduct.

The hearing continues.