A violent robber who brutally beat a hotel manager has been jailed for more than eight years.

Bhajed Adan, 23, of Alexandra Road, Croydon, was found guilty of robbery after targeting the Clockhouse Hotel, Thornton Heath, last year.

Appearing in Croydon Crown Court on March 8 Adan was shown CCTV images of the crime, which left the duty hotel manager with severe facial injuries, but denied the crime, and has refused to reveal the name of his accomplice.

The court heard how on May 23 he and another man entered the Brigstock Road hotel and asked for a room.

When the manager took them to a third floor room they attacked him, dragged him downstairs and continued the assault on the victim, in his 30’s, while demanding cash.

After failing to get any cash, they fled.

Officers from Croydon’s Robbery and Burglary Squad investigated the incident and Adan was identified through CCTV footage at the hotel.

He was arrested on August 7 and was charged with robbery the following day.

DC David Shahbazi, from Croydon’s Robbery and Burglary Squad who investigated the incident said: “This was a particularly violent robbery and the two offenders have assaulted the victim leaving him with quite serious facial injuries that required hospital treatment.

“Having identified Adan through clear CCTV images, he still didn’t admit to the offence and has not revealed his accomplice to us either.

“However, Adan will be facing a long time behind bars. We would still like to trace the other suspect in this case, so if you have any information, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information can contact Croydon police on 020 8649 1336 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.