by Nick Lillitos

nlillitos@thekmgroup.co.uk

A man who allegedly attacked and injured three people with a Samurai sword has appeared in court.

Scaffolder Paul Qualey was arrested after an incident near the Sheerness clocktower early on New Year's Day.

The 25-year-old appeared at Sittingbourne Magistrates' Court today charged with affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

He withheld his plea and will next appear before the bench on March 9 for committal proceedings to crown court.

Presiding magistrate Shelagh L'hermette set him a new curfew time, lasting from 10pm till 5am.

He will be electronically tagged.

The court heard he is accused of attacking three people - one a woman - with a short Samurai sword.

Paramedics called to the scene about at 2.50am treated them for injuries which included cuts to their hands.

Prosecuting counsel said one of the victims also had "serious cuts to his foot".

Defending, Pat Cuffe asked the magistrates to enter a change of address for Qualey, whose home was initially given as Wood Street, Sheerness, where he had been staying until recently.

He has since been reunited with his partner and is living with her in nearby Beach Street.

Mrs L'hermette accepted the new change of address while imposing the new curfew restrictions which will allow Qualey more flexibility with his work commitments.

Mr Cuffe told magistrates: "Mr Qualey is highly thought of by his company."

He added: "We don't accept the police version of events at all."