Sword attack leaves victim 'out there'

Mt Maunganui businessman Chris Barclay says his head is still "out there somewhere" after he was bashed in his driveway with a samurai sword.

Speaking to the Herald at his home yesterday, the 48-year-old said: "I'm standing and I'm walking. That's about all I'll tell you at the moment."

Mr Barclay was allegedly hit over the head with the 1.5m sword when he confronted three people at his three-storey beachside home on Wednesday night. His ear was partially severed and police said he suffered skull fractures in the attack.

Mr Barclay, a logistics operator and a director of two companies, was flown to Auckland Hospital and spent several days in intensive care and on a ward. He is now at home.

A line of stitches was yesterday visible on his left ear, which he said was "bloody sore".

"[But] at least I've still got it," he said.

Asked how his head felt, he replied, "Out there somewhere".

Mr Barclay said he was happy to be home and "busy trying to catch up on work", but was reluctant to talk about the incident.

"Until the police decide what they're doing, I'm saying nothing. I'm not going to prejudice any case."

He was, however, relieved that three people had been arrested.

He said his blue 2000 Jaguar XJR8 car, taken after the incident, was undamaged.

A man and two women appeared in Tauranga District Court on Friday in relation to the incident. The women were granted bail. The man is due back in court tomorrow.