A DEAF burglar who carried out a "brutal and callous murder" on a mentally-ill man has been given a life sentence.

Drug addict Derek Dale broke into the home of Paul Geddes in Dawson Close, Plumstead, and battered him to death.

Now an Old Bailey judge has ordered Dale, aged 18, of Arthur Grove, Plumstead, spend at least 15 years behind bars.

The court heard how Dale, together with Nabeel Aljubori, 24, of Kempt Street, Plumstead, broke into Mr Geddes' flat in the early hours of June 19, 2003.

Having failed to find money to buy drugs, they returned to kill him, before burning his house down.

Mr Geddes, 32, who was receiving treatment for mental health problems, died from multiple injuries, including a fractured skull and broken ribs.

He also had his left ear cut off and his genitals severely bruised after they were stamped on.

Dale, who has an IQ of 74, and Aljubori, who has an IQ of 77, then poured petrol over Mr Geddes' body and belongings, before setting them on fire.

The pair both denied murder but Dale was found guilty.

Aljubori was convicted of manslaughter but sentencing on him has been adjourned until psychiatric reports are completed.

Sentencing Dale, Judge Peter Fingret said: "This was a particularly brutal and callous murder on a mild and inoffensive young man.

"You and your co-defendant beat him to death, in the course of which you severed one of his ears and attempted to do the same with the other.

"It is hard to believe human beings can behave in such a way to their fellow man."