A PENGE man who stabbed a man six times at a bus stop has been given a 23-year sentence.

Luke Freeman-Roach, aged 22, of Weighton Road, was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced at Croydon Crown Court to 18 years in prison.

An additional five years will be served on extended licence when he is released.

His 52-year-old victim was waiting at a bus stop in Anerley Road, Penge, on July 22 last year when Freeman-Roach approached him and demanded a cigarette.

The victim said he didn't smoke, so Freeman-Roach demanded £5.

When Freeman-Roach realised the victim didn't have any money, he stabbed him six times in the body and head.

Police were called at approximately 4.30am and found the victim with stab wounds to his chest, side, back and jaw.

He was taken Kings College Hospital in a serious but stable condition and remained in hospital for a week receiving treatment to his injuries, which included collapsed lungs.

Freeman-Roach was arrested in Croydon Road, Penge, 15 minutes after police were called, after a witness pointed him out.

A jury found him guilty of attempted murder by a majority of 10-2.

He had pleaded guilty to GBH with intent, but denied attempted murder.

He was previously jailed for three years in July 2007 for GBH and robbery after attacking and robbing four train passengers, leaving one with a broken jaw and another with a fractured nose.