A BASILDON based nurse who was suspended for “inappropriately crossing sexual boundaries” with a patient will be allowed to return to work.

Kenneth Ngobele was struck off for 12 months last March after he was found to have preyed onapatient on Basildon’s mental health unit.

Mr Ngobele gave his mobile number to the woman when she was due to be discharged.

Within hours, the pair were in contact and the next day they met in a Starbucks in Romford.

They went for a meal and had latenight phone conversations in the days that followed.

Reflecting on his behaviour, a review hearing judgement this month said: “The charges concerned your inappropriately breaching sexual boundaries with a patient, whose health condition rendered her vulnerable and with a propensity to exhibit sexual behaviour.”

Mr Ngobele’s 12-month suspension will expire on April 9, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council has decided not to extend the order.

A panel concluded the chance of Ngobele repeating his conduct is low and he is “genuine and remorseful.”

Mr Ngobele has been a nurse since 1999 and committed the misconduct offences in question in 2009.

The panel said he had shown “an impressive commitment to nursing” in the six years since then.

The judgement said: “The panel was further encouraged to note that during your period of suspension, you have contributed to your community by immersing yourself in voluntary work for charitable organisations.

“You are not liable to repeat conduct of the kind found proved.

“This panel is satisfied you have now done all that can be expected of you in the circumstances.”