A CAREER criminal has been jailed after using an iron bar to beat a friend who would not burgle a house with him.

Robert Coker, who has a history of burglary and violence-related offences dating back to when he was 12, had been out drinking with his friend in Penge before the attack.

The 45-year-old suggested they burgle a house and when his friend refused he beat him unconscious.

Emergency services found the victim covered in blood in Cornish Grove and he was taken to Lewisham Hospital suffering from fractures to his knees, legs and wrists.

When Coker was arrested in nearby Bredhurst Close officers found he had heroin, cocaine and cannabis in his possession.

He also had items which had been stolen in three burglaries in Beckenham just days before the assault.

The burglaries were committed on July 25, 2008, in Whitmore Road; on August 2, 2008, in Stone Park Avenue; and on August 2, 2008, in Coopers Mews.

Coker had been on remand at High Down Prison, Sutton, since the assault on August 7, 2008, until his trial at Croydon Crown Court earlier this month.

The jury found Coker, of Wellington Gardens, Charlton, guilty of GBH with intent and three counts of burglary.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing drugs.

Prior to the offences he had recently been released from a three year prison sentence for burglary.

Coker was jailed for an indeterminate period and told he must serve a minimum of five years.

Detective Inspector Jane Corrigan, head of Bromley police's burglary squad, said: "Coker is a violent, a prolific residential burglar and clearly a dangerous man.

“The indeterminate sentence handed down to him reflects the persistent nature and seriousness of his crimes and is the result of the steadfast perseverance of detectives in bringing this man to justice."