A MAN was slashed with a samurai sword as he made his way home after a row in a pub, a court heard.

John Barkas was left with wounds to his head and hand, and needed ten staples in two separate gashes.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how a tendon in his hand was almost severed and he was left bleeding heavily from the cuts.

Andrew Finlay, prosecuting, said Mr Barkas was involved in a row at Dougie's Tavern, in Hebburn, South Tyneside, in December last year, and was attacked by Paul Brannan, 26, after he left.

The court heard how he was approached by Mr Brannan, who was armed with a samurai sword and who began striking him about the head.

Mr Finlay said: "Mr Barkas did his very best to defend himself, holding up his hands to deflect the blows."

Mr Barkas told the court how he lunged at Mr Brannan in a bid to escape.

He said: "I thought the only chance of getting out was to fight back, so I lunged at him and pushed him on to the grass verge. I managed to restrain him."

Mr Brannan was arrested a few days later after a sword containing traces of blood was found at his partner's home.

He told police it was Mr Barkas who produced the sword in the second fight, after he went to sort things out.

Mr Brannan, of Jutland Avenue, Hebburn, denies wounding with intent.

The trial continues.